Helen Kraack

Helen Kraack, 91, of Monticello, passed away at 4:05 am, Thursday, September 24, 2015 at I.U. Health White Memorial Hospital. She was born on May 5, 1924 in Monon to the late Hanly and Emma (Crumbo) Hammel. Helen was a 1942 graduate of Monon High School and a 1945 graduate of Ball State University Teacher's College. She taught 5th and 6th grades in Hawaii for two years, 1st and 2nd grade at Chalmers, and started teaching 3rd grade in Monticello in 1952. She taught locally at West Grade, which was where the Monticello Union Township Public Library stands today, Oaklawn, and finally Meadowlawn until her retirement in 1992 after 42 years of teaching. She was a reading volunteer for Twin Lakes School following her retirement. She is perhaps remembered most from her readings of Winnie the Pooh. She was a proud recipient of the Shining Star Teacher's Award which she was awarded a couple years prior to her retirement. She was a charter member of the Church of Christ which was started in her home in 1953. She helped build the current building in 1967 which is located at 300 West Market Street. She taught Bible classes there for over 40 years. She was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, loved reading, sewing, music, and gardening. Surviving are her children, Tom (Cynthia) Kraack of Mendota Heights, MN, Paul (Mary) Kraack of Ruskin, FL, and Martha (Joe) Hunt of Indianapolis; brother, James (Mary) Hammel of Fairfield Heights, OH; sisters, Nancy Fendly of Greenwood, Ruth (James) Chowning of Lagro; seven grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by brothers, Hanly, Howard, and John Hammel. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm Sunday, September 27, 2015 at Springer-Voorhis-Draper Funeral Home of Monticello. Private funeral services will be officiated by Ted Mitchel of the Church of Christ. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be given to the Church of Christ with envelopes available at the funeral home. Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be extended at www.springerfuneralhome.com