Iron Mountain – Helen B. Opolka, 97, of Iron Mountain, Mich. passed away peacefully on May 5, 2017, at the Norlite Nursing Facility in Marquette, Mich.

She was born September 12, 1919, in Crystal Falls, Mich., daughter of the late Peter and Mary (Halerz) Bara. Helen married Joseph J. Opolka of Norway, Mich. on April 10, 1944, at St. Edward’s Church in Alpha, Mich.

She was a long-time member of the St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. In 1997, Helen celebrated 50 years working at Quality Cleaners and retired 10 years later giving her 59 years. She enjoyed the people she worked with and was hired when they opened the cleaners and was there until the day that they shut their doors. Helen spent her retired years attending church functions and rosary group, where she developed deep friendships with other parishioners.

She enjoyed cooking, baking and was always there with coffee and a snack when anyone came to visit. Helen enjoyed spending time with her daughter, son-in-law, step-grandchildren, sisters and brothers.

Helen is survived by her daughter Marianne (Dennis) Striler of Marquette; stepgrandchildren, Derek (Maderia) Striler of Mosinee, Wis. and Chelsea Striler of Milwaukee, Wis.; two sisters, Agnes Bjork of Alpha, Mich. and Pauline (Ken) Sypal of Glen Ellyn, Ill.

In addition to her husband and parents, Helen was preceded in death by two brothers, Louis and Egnatz Bara; five sisters, Anne Manko, Dorothy Dunbar, Patricia Skibo, Nellie Novey and Victoria Zini.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 10, 2017, from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church, Iron Mountain. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, 11:00 am at the Church. Rev. Fr. Janusz Romanek will officiate. Burial will be held in Norway Township Cemetery, Norway, Mich.

Pallbearers will be James Ingle, Ken Martin, Christine Martin, and Michael Bjork.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Helen or leave a condolence for her family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, to honor Helen’s legacy of life.