Veronica M. (Vernie) Kralicek went to her heavenly Father on April 28, 2020 while residing at Beehive Homes in Helena. She made it to her 95th birthday. Vernie, born in Haydock, Iowa, was the 5th child born to Czech immigrants, Charles and Katherine Sivak. The family moved to Lehigh, North Dakota, when Vernie was three. There she attended a one room school house through 8th grade, finishing her education at Dickinson High School. Upon graduation, Vernie worked in the Dickinson Welfare Office and the Dickinson Clinic as an x-ray technician (she always said this was her favorite job). She married Edwin Kralicek in 1947 which then took them to Spokane, WA. In 1955, the family moved to Helena, MT where her husband opened and operated the Capital Dental Lab for 36 years.
Four children were born to this union and after being a stay-at-home mother for 18 years, she re-entered the workforce as a claim’s adjuster for Northwestern National Insurance Group. Due to her husband’s health, she retired after 20 years to care for him. He passed away in July 1991.
Vernie loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them – her children, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. She was gifted with a great sense of humor and her story telling was known by all. With her passion to be of help to anyone, she volunteered for many years in the Host Program, St. Peter’s Hospital Gift Shop, Talking Book Library, Grandparent mentoring at Hawthorne School, Bishop Gilmore Catholic School and Catholic Central where her children attended.
In addition to her husband, Vernie was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, two sisters and three nephews. Survivors include daughters Donna (David) Link, Helena; Julie Shaw, Missoula; Laurie (Lowell) Hickman; Bozeman, and one son Douglas (Debbie) Kralicek, Helena; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials in her name can be sent to the Helena Food Bank, the Friendship Center and God’s Love. These were some of her favorite charities.
Services are pending through her parish, St. Mary’s Catholic Community, and will be published at a later date.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Jody Reisbeck says
Dearest family of our dearest Vernie. I just want you to know how very sorry I am for your loss and what a wonderful friend and lady she was. My mom, Blanche Pedersen, and her with a small group of ladies used to get dressed up and go to lunch every Saturday. They were true fighters and she I believe is the end of a wonderful era where people did have hardships but they had senses of humor, pride, faith and deep family love. God Bless you Vernie and all of you as you start a new journey without her. I love you Vernie! Jody Reisbeck
Charlie Briggs says
To her family, I am sorry for Vernie’s loss. I got to know Vernie at the Talking Book Library where we both volunteered. My wife, Christie, who directed the TBL, was so very fond of Vernie and cherished her friendship. I got to know Vernie through Christie. Vernie was truly a lovely person, and a wonderful hugger. I will miss her but remember her fondly always. Blessings to you all.
Vivienne Herron says
Donna, Doug, Deb, and family,
I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss. Vernie was such a very special lady. Although I didn’t know her long, I feel I got to see and know some of the remarkable person she was. So well-versed in every day matters, historical and current, with such a wonderful sense of humor, she truly lived her faith and shared it so openly. Visiting her, spending time with her was such a blessing…I will miss her greatly.
May your memories and Our Father’s great love bring you His Peace in this difficult time. Prayers for you all.
Vivienne
Tom Naegele says
Kralicek Family,
Sorry for your loss. Vernie lived a very long and full life and is now enjoying her home coming. Celebrating her and supporting you all in this time 👍. God Bless 🙏
Tom
SUZANNE Wilke says
Deb,Doug and family
I was so sorry to hear about Vernie. May she fly with the angels. Sue Wilke
Sister Dolores Brinkel says
Donna and Family,
My sympathy and prayers for your mother and you in these days when you’re experiencing your physical loss of her. May her greatness continue to live on in all of you. Sister Dolores Brinkel
Vickie Rauser says
To Vernie’s Family,
I am sorry to learn of Vernie’s passing. I met her and Ed when Ed worked so closely with the Circle K clubs on Montana university campuses. I have fond memories of them both at various events, especially at Circle K International in Chicago. I saw Vernie a few times during the years I lived in Helena. Such a classy and fun lady. Holding you all in sympathy and prayer.
Mona Rose says
Mona and I send our condolences to Doug and family.
Such a lovely lady that we knew since the Dotson Insurance Agency.
Jacqui Simonson says
Continually thinking of you all.
My life will forever be touched by getting to know Vernie, her children, grandchildren and her friends! She was an incredible woman with a incredible family!!
With love and hugs,
Jacqui ❤️
Caeddyn says
Verny was always a great person and always loving. She beat me in cards