Helen Mary (Duda) Rademacher, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully November 11, 2024 at Montgomery Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at the age of 95. Helen was born in Staunton, Illinois on October 6, 1929 to John and Bertha Duda. She married Robert Rademacher on January 29, 1949. Together they had two sons, John (Jack) Rademacher and Jay Rademacher.

Helen worked a variety of jobs over the years, including owning Passtime Tavern in Mt. Olive with her husband. She retired from her position as a collator at Hano Business Forms after over 20 years of service. Helen later enjoyed decorating for weddings and other special events and helping at Duda Ace Hardware in Staunton, of which she was part owner.

Later in life Helen was heavily involved with activities at the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Mt. Olive. Through the church she became known for her red cabbage recipe at the Mt. Olive Homecoming Ethnic Day. Helen was also very involved with the St. Louis Metro Polka Club. Traveling the country with her friends and “dummy” Jacko Fudrucker to dance at Polka-Fests. As an avid St. Louis Cardinals’ baseball fan, she enjoyed watching and going to Cardinals games, while keeping score on her homemade scorecards. Most of all Helen loved being with her family, especially her great-grandsons.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents John and Bertha, brother, Hans Duda, sister, Rose Duda, son, Jack Rademacher, and husband, Robert Rademacher.

Helen is survived by her son, Jay (Denise) Rademacher, grandson, Chris (Jostlin) Rademacher, granddaughter, Alicia (Ethan) Murzynski, and great-grandsons, Colton and Wyatt Rademacher.

Services will be held at the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Mt. Olive on Saturday, November 16, 2024. The visitation will be held from 9am to 11am, with the funeral directly following. Burial will be at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Mt. Olive. Memorials can be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church Lydia Circle or the Benld Adopt-a-Pet. Arrangements are provided by Becker and Son’s Funeral Home.

Helen was and always will be the true definition of perseverance. Even in a life full of struggles, Helen was always able to find joy. May we all be able to live our lives like Helen, by letting go of the picture we thought life would look like, and learning to find happiness in the story we are actually living.