Helen Herak

Helen Herak (née Schwarzinger), 86, of Hanover Park, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. She was born on April 26, 1939, in Dobrovatz, Yugoslavia.

Helen enjoyed many things, including bowling, cooking, traveling, and playing cards. She was the life of the party and was especially known for her gardening and her “100 flower pots.” Above all, she loved being an Oma.

Beloved wife of the late Steve; loving mother of Ilona (Roger) Feyerherm, Steve Herak, Linda McGraw, David (Brenda) Herak, and Sylvia (Pete) Karonis; cherished Oma of Austin (Skylar), Jacob, Melissa (Jeff), Jessica (Ryan), Cody (Tanya), Lauren, Cameron, Olivia, Demetri, and Dena; and Great Oma of Sutton, Gatlin, Kohen, Brayden, Colton, Caden, Lyla, and Jay-Scarlett.

Dear daughter of the late Julius and Teresa (née Jungling) Schwarzinger; kind sister of the late Mathilda (late Arthur) Allen, the late Franz Schwarzinger, Gottfried (Wanda) Schwarzinger, Hermina (late Klaus) Ptach, the late Julius Schwarzinger Jr., and Irmgard (late Jack) Frolich. She was also a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews and a wonderful friend to all.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a service at 5:00 p.m., on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory, 1640 S Greenmeadows Blvd, Streamwood. A private cremation will follow.