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HELAK -- Dr. Joseph Helak, D. O., F.A.C.O.S., born May 26, 1930 in Depew, N.Y., passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 10, 2009. Dr. Helak was the best of husbands and fathers, dedicated to his beloved wife, Barbara, their ten children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A devout Catholic, Dr. Helak was a long-time member of Annunciation Parish, serving for many years as lector & extraordinary minister, as well as devoting much time to service on the school board and council for Annunciation School and St. Pius X High School. A 1956 graduate of Kirksville College of Osteopathy and Surgery, Dr. Helak provided outstanding medical and surgical care to patients throughout the Albuquerque area since 1960. He was also very active in the New Mexico Osteopathic Association, serving as President of the Association from 1969-1970, being honored as Physician of the Year in 1982 and serving on the NM State Licensing Board for many years. Joseph is survived by ten children, 30 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren: daughter Laura Warden and husband Brian, their four daughters Jessica, Allison, Elizabeth and Elena Warden; son, John Helak and his daughter Desiree Lesh and her two children; son Joseph Paul Helak and wife Buffey, and their six children: Aubrey Alexander and husband Daniel and their three daughters, Dustin Helak, Joseph Helak, Heath Houston, Eve Helak and Katy Helak; daughter Linda Schenkel and husband Andy and their children Jerod Sparks, Jennifer Sparks, Lee Schenkel & Melissa Boelger & husband Chad and their two children; son Jeff Helak and wife Martha and their children Nicholas Helak, Daniel Dobleman, James Dobleman, and Gracie Helak; daughter Lisa Drapeau and her sons Wesley and Zachary Drapeau; daughter Lois Brakenhoff and husband Peter and their three sons Jens, Joseph, and Jack Brakenhoff; daughter Leigh Schierloh and her children Jordan and Jacob Schierloh; daughter Lynn Jeffries and husband Scott and their children Samantha and Alex Jeffries; and son James Helak and wife Natanya and their children Gabriel and Isaac Helak. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Pat Helak and seven nieces and nephews and their spouses and children. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara and their son Joseph Bradford Helak, his grandson Dakota Helak, parents John and Viola Helak, brother Henry Helak, and son-in-law John Sparks. Friends may visit French~Wyoming Chapel Tuesday, October 13, 2009 from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. The rosary will follow at 7:00 pm. Mass will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 8:30 am at Annunciation Parish, with Father Joel Bugas as the Celebrant. Internment will follow at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery Please visit our online guestbook for Dr. Helak at RememberTheirStory.com French 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400
        Published on: Tue October 13, 2009