Helen A. Kukowski

Helen A. Kukowski, age 97, of Winona, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Sauer Health Care in Winona.

She was born on July 21, 1928, the daughter of Larry and Emma (Boardman) Summers, and grew up on the family farm near Witoka. Back then, farm work was very strenuous, with everything being done by hand from milking cows to pitching hay – Helen knew what hard work meant.

She attended the Boynton School for eight years, spent ninth grade at Washington-Kosciusko, and then went to Winona High School where she graduated in 1947.

In 1955, Helen met an Army corporal, Patrick Kukowski, and they were married that same year. Their marriage lasted 42 years until Pat had a heart attack and passed away in 1996.

Helen and Pat had one son, Larry, who passed away in 1994 at the age of 25 – they were devastated. They had a grandson, Hunter, who was Helen’s saviour. Hunter was attending Jefferson Elementary School in Winona and he volunteered Grandma Helen to work in the first grade, which she did for 12 years. She loved the little children year after year, and with each new group every year, she continued to be their “Grandma at school.”

Helen had worked at Technigraph in Winona for 42 years, and after Larry passed away, she was so distressed that she retired. Helen was always thankful to Connie Bodas and Kathy Kosidowski for giving her the opportunity to work at Jefferson. Being with all of the children every day helped to fill the void left in her life left by the loss of Pat and Larry.

Helen and Pat loved going to old-time dances and were always at the Labor Temple and Teamsters every Saturday night. They would dance the waltz and two-step to old-time bands. Helen was a nut for country music, and had many tapes and CDs.

She loved to work in the garden and canned many vegetables and pickles. Helen had a beautiful yard until she was no longer able to take care of it anymore.

Helen also loved to travel, and while on a trip in Nova Scotia with her friend, Margaret Koopman, Helen met a wonderful companion, Robert Schultz. Together they went to Europe, visiting eight countries, enjoyed Alaska and Canada, went out on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, saw dogs rounding up sheep in New Zealand, and climbed the Great Wall in China – it was a task to get up all of those steps! In Switzerland, they tried climbing the Alps, but did not quite make it to the top. That was an accomplishment Helen liked to brag about. They also traveled to many places in the United States, with the Grand Canyon being something Helen said everyone should see.

After her grandson Hunter’s death in 2017, Helen was all alone. She was waiting for the call from God to take her to Heaven and her family. She always said it would be the most glorious trip she would take for the end of her travels...she knew her three guys would be there to meet her.

Helen is survived by her great-nephew, Michael Wiskow, and a great friend, Pam Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Pat; son, Larry; grandson, Hunter; her parents; brother: Tom Summers, and Howard (Jobe) Malesker and his wife Ardys, who grew up with their family; and a niece, Marilyn Sander.

Honoring Helen’s wishes, funeral services will be held privately. She will be laid to rest at the Witoka Cemetery beside Pat, Larry, and Hunter.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Helen’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.