Obituary for Stella Kuczek
Kuczek, Stella
(nee Stanislawa Czech)
Born January 13, 1928 to Rosalia and Franciszek Czech.
A photo of Stella’s First Communion is the oldest possession depicting a frightened fourteen-year-old girl who survived the horrors of a concentration camp, and the only remembrance of an unimaginable journey where faith provided the support that carried this young girl throughout that period in her life.
The photo, Stella hid and kept with her throughout the war, is a reminder of her hometown in Lwow, Poland and her parents, whom she never saw again. In 1942 the German Army kidnapped her and took her to a camp in Armstad, Germany. When the war ended in 1945 Stella was taken to a displaced persons camp in Wildflecken, Germany where she was for over three years. This is where she began another journey in her life.
While at Wildflecken she married her husband, Jozef Kuczek and had two children: a boy (Bruce/Boguslaw) and a girl (Helen/Halina). When the opportunity presented itself to leave Germany, they moved their family to the United States in search of a better life and to live the American dream. It was not long before they became United States citizens. They both worked hard and expanded their family with two sons, George and John and ultimately achieved their dreams.
One could expect a person with this challenging of an upbringing would be bitter and angry because of the past, this was not Stella. She was loving to those she met, she gave more hugs and kisses most would think were too much, but this was Stella, she expressed this love in her own personal way and is what many of us will remember her for and will miss.
Stella’s work here is done. Her unquestionable faith throughout her life made her the person she was each day. She loved others unconditionally and they loved her back. Stella’s light will continue to be bright in all our memories and for those who have come to know and love her. Stella’s journey is complete.
A special thank you to Father Paul Shovelain of St. John the Baptist who provided spiritual support to Stella, church volunteers who visited, and to Stella’s countless angels. Gratitude to Dr. Robert Tranmer of Allina Coon Rapids, Stella’s primary doctor who took the time to get to know her, showed compassion and respect for what she went through while providing excellent care. Thanks to the Benedictine Innsbruck staff who provided excellent care, with love, to Stella and to Allina Hospice for caring for Stella.
Preceded in death by husband, Jozef Kuczek; son, Bruce Kuczek. Survived by daughter, Helen (Gerald) Krueger; sons; John (Mary) Kuczek, George (Linda) Kuczek; grandchildren, Michael (Naomi) Krueger, Joseph Krueger, Anthony (Tanya) Kuczek, Holli (Michael) Johander, Brandon Kuczek and eight great-grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial at ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH (835 2nd Ave. NW) Thursday, May 26th at 11 AM with visitation one hour prior.
(nee Stanislawa Czech)
Born January 13, 1928 to Rosalia and Franciszek Czech.
A photo of Stella’s First Communion is the oldest possession depicting a frightened fourteen-year-old girl who survived the horrors of a concentration camp, and the only remembrance of an unimaginable journey where faith provided the support that carried this young girl throughout that period in her life.
The photo, Stella hid and kept with her throughout the war, is a reminder of her hometown in Lwow, Poland and her parents, whom she never saw again. In 1942 the German Army kidnapped her and took her to a camp in Armstad, Germany. When the war ended in 1945 Stella was taken to a displaced persons camp in Wildflecken, Germany where she was for over three years. This is where she began another journey in her life.
While at Wildflecken she married her husband, Jozef Kuczek and had two children: a boy (Bruce/Boguslaw) and a girl (Helen/Halina). When the opportunity presented itself to leave Germany, they moved their family to the United States in search of a better life and to live the American dream. It was not long before they became United States citizens. They both worked hard and expanded their family with two sons, George and John and ultimately achieved their dreams.
One could expect a person with this challenging of an upbringing would be bitter and angry because of the past, this was not Stella. She was loving to those she met, she gave more hugs and kisses most would think were too much, but this was Stella, she expressed this love in her own personal way and is what many of us will remember her for and will miss.
Stella’s work here is done. Her unquestionable faith throughout her life made her the person she was each day. She loved others unconditionally and they loved her back. Stella’s light will continue to be bright in all our memories and for those who have come to know and love her. Stella’s journey is complete.
A special thank you to Father Paul Shovelain of St. John the Baptist who provided spiritual support to Stella, church volunteers who visited, and to Stella’s countless angels. Gratitude to Dr. Robert Tranmer of Allina Coon Rapids, Stella’s primary doctor who took the time to get to know her, showed compassion and respect for what she went through while providing excellent care. Thanks to the Benedictine Innsbruck staff who provided excellent care, with love, to Stella and to Allina Hospice for caring for Stella.
Preceded in death by husband, Jozef Kuczek; son, Bruce Kuczek. Survived by daughter, Helen (Gerald) Krueger; sons; John (Mary) Kuczek, George (Linda) Kuczek; grandchildren, Michael (Naomi) Krueger, Joseph Krueger, Anthony (Tanya) Kuczek, Holli (Michael) Johander, Brandon Kuczek and eight great-grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial at ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH (835 2nd Ave. NW) Thursday, May 26th at 11 AM with visitation one hour prior.