Helen T. (Pasich) Minnick

Helen Minnick

“Tess”

Age 96 of Joliet, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 27, 2023 at Rock Run Place in Joliet.

Born November 10, 1926 in Joliet, Helen was a daughter of Marko and Theresa (Nemanich) Pasich. She was a force, an adventurer who lived life on her own terms. As a young woman, she lived in New York City, Guam and Iceland. She then came back to Joliet when she was in her 30’s and became a registered nurse. Helen also married the love of her life, Mr. Glenn Minnick during that time. After retiring from nursing Glenn and Helen loved to travel to their cabin in the north woods of Wisconsin, as well as R.V. traveling to various sites with their dogs.

Helen was a devout Catholic and lifetime parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She served as president of the Rosarian Club and was instrumental in leading the rosary at St. Joseph Cemetery every November 2nd. Helen was also proud of her Slovenian heritage and had the distinct honor of earning Woman of the Year through the Slovenian Union of America. She was also a member of Post 1080 Auxiliary and St. Joes Seniors Club. When she wasn’t busy with her job or devoting time to her church, you could find Helen singing along with polka music on Sundays at St. Joe’s Park, reading a good book or working on crafts for her home. She also volunteered as an usher for 25 years for the Rialto Theater. Helen will be deeply missed by all knew her.

She is survived by her sister: Pat Butterbach; nieces: Jody Butterbach and Jill (Larry) Ryan; nephew: Dan (Cheryl) Butterbach; step-son: Glenn David Minnick; brothers-in-law: John (Terry) Minnick, Calvin Minnick and Roy (Nancy) Minnick; sisters-in-law: Judy (Ron) Fowler, Debbie (Mike) Buske and Denise Johnson, as well as numerous great nieces and nephews.  A special thank you to her devoted caregivers and friends: Blanca Velez and Jennifer Loughran.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband: Glenn Minnick who passed away in 2013; parents: Marko and Theresa; brother: Joseph Pasich, and step-daughter: Sherri Jackson.

The family will receive relatives and friends for a visitation on Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 416 N. Chicago Street in Joliet. Interment will follow and Helen will be laid to rest with her husband at St. Joseph Cemetery in Joliet.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to St. Joseph Church or to Lightways Hospice would be appreciated.