Helen was born on Dec. 8, 1940, in Fredonia, Kansas, to Howard C. and Helen I. Wells. She graduated from Central Kitsap High School in Silverdale, Washington, in 1959. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington in Seattle in 1968, and her Master of Science in education from the State University of New York at Cortland in 1971.

During her time in Seattle, she met her future husband, Frank Kalkbrenner. They were married in Seattle on March 27, 1965, and were married for 48 years.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, and by her husband, Frank.

She is survived by her brother, Howard L. Wells, of Sedro Wooley, Washington; her sister, Reva Silvers, of Bremerton, Washington; many dear and loving friends; and by her beloved cat, Michael.

Helen taught fourth and fifth grade in Washington, New York, South Carolina and Pennsylvania from 1968 to 1978. She was a member of the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology, local Chapter 11 Frances Dorrance; of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Wilkes-Barre, and was vice president of Valley Cat Rescue for many years. She was also a longtime and loyal member of Odyssey Fitness Center, where she had a large circle of friends to whom she was devoted, and by whom she will be sorely missed.

Helen loved fishing and target shooting. She was a skilled amateur archaeologist, and a physical fitness practitioner and advocate. She adored cats, and through her work with Valley Cat Rescue made a positive difference in the lives of literally thousands of cats in our area.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at E. Blake Collins Funeral Home, 159 George Ave., Wilkes-Barre. Helen will be interred in Rapid City, South Dakota, beside Frank.

In lieu of flowers, Helen requests that donations be made in her memory to the SPCA of Luzerne County's Spay/Neuter Assistance Fund, 529 E. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18702. Condolences can be sent to www.eblakecollins.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Leader from May 3 to May 4, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Kalkbrenner

11 Entries

Tanya Pyke

April 27, 2021

Helen you always brought a smile to my face. You were such a wonderful person. We also had great Zumba classes and more together. RIH.

Tanya Pyke

May 6, 2016

From the first day I met you at the gym more than eight years ago, you were always friendly, kind and upbeat. Will miss you and yet at peace for you to be with your husband, Frank. Great knowing you.

Diane Montigney

May 6, 2016

Helen was a great lady and friend. Her personality and flair was exceptional and will be missed terribly. I know she is much happier now in heaven with Frank and our Lord Jesus Christ. She missed Frank so much, God gave her what she wanted, not what we wanted. May God be with each of us as we must go on without her. Our hope is that we will one day see her again!!! May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ comfort her family and friends at this time as he can only do. I love and miss you Helen!

Marian Baran

May 5, 2016

Helen was one of the strongest people I have ever met. Self pity was not in her make up and she showed such determination, strength and a positive attitude in her fight against cancer. The people of Odyssey you were her family and she loved you all. You were all there for her through this difficult time. I will miss our phone calls. Heather I hope you know how much you meant to her and how much she enjoyed your outings together. I just wish she had more time. Dear Helen, your struggle is over. Be at peace! With heartfelt sadness.

May 4, 2016

Saddened to hear of Helen's passing. Will miss Her and our chats. Caroline Zabretsky

May 4, 2016

You will be missed!

May 4, 2016

Helen,
You were the most courageous woman I knew. Miss You
Carol Davis

May 4, 2016

Will miss you Helen. Odyssey will not be the same without you.
Debbie Gonsky

May 4, 2016

Helen was a good friend who will be missed.
We've got many fond memories of the couple rarely seen apart. And flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest. Dave Kohler

Kate & Bernie Czeck

May 4, 2016

We are very saddened by Helen's passing.
She was a good person. May her soul rest in peace in heaven with her husband, Frank.

May 3, 2016

I will miss you so, so much... my dearest friend.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

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