Helen (Vidakovich) Sailer

RAMSAY, Mich. - Helen (Vidakovich) Sailer, 85, a long-time resident of Ramsay, passed away peacefully Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 11, 2016, with family and friends at her side.

She was born in Wakefield on Nov. 24, 1930, the daughter of direct Yugoslavian (Serbian) immigrants, Paul and Milka (Borich) Vidakovich. Helen graduated from the Wakefield High School in 1949. Helen's roots began in Wakefield's Plymouth-Wico location, where the heavy concentration of "iches" (name endings of Yugoslavian immigrants) affected her with an understanding of the human spirit. There, Helen learned about the work ethic and people skills. Her trademark was thinking and working with the end in mind. She was a case study in camaraderie - how to best mix work and fun to get the job well done.

She retired after 12 years of service at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility as a certified dietary manager. She also worked as a matron at the Gogebic County Sheriff's department for several years. She was an avid bowler on the Lakeview Ladies' League and once scored a 600 series. Helen was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Wakefield Ladies' Auxiliary to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084.

Helen was formerly married to Joseph Blaskowski, then to Robert Sailer for 47 years. Helen is survived by a daughter, Jane (Russell) George, Gilbert, Minn .; sons, George (Dawn) Sailer, Gladstone, and Robert Blaskowski, Wakefield; her mother-in-law, Leona Sailer; her sisters-in-law, Mary Jo (John) Cain and Geri Ann Karjala; grandsons, Luke George, Minneapolis, and Nathan, Nick and Sean Sailer all of Gladstone; granddaughters, Erin (Jeff) Shay, Hibbing, Minn., and Samantha Sailer, Gladstone; two great-granddaughters, Addison and Isabella Shay of Hibbing; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert K. Sailer; seven siblings, Beatrice Sowa, Ann White, Peter, Mike, Steve, George and Nick; and granddaughter, Carrie Sailer.

Helen's gift to all was her genuine caring and kindness towards everybody. She was always there to help others without any strings attached. She was a confidant and true friend. Helen often "ambushed" neighbors and friends with her surprise deliveries of her patented cinnamon rolls, pasties and assortments of cookies and unique desserts. We will miss her smile and her good deeds from which to reflect, remember and reminisce.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 407 Ascherman St., Wakefield, followed by a memorial service under the auspices of the Wakefield Ladies' Auxiliary to VFW Post 9084.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at noon, with the Rev. Dominic Agyapong, celebrant. Also, in attendance will be the Immaculate Conception Women's Guild Honor Guard.

Pallbearers will be Robert Blaskowski, George Sailer, Sean Sailer, Russell George, Luke George and Greyson Morrow.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery, Wakefield.

A luncheon will be served at the church hall upon return from the cemetery.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner-manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.