Aug. 15, 1920 — April 7, 2018

Helen A. Marhanka, 97, of Dowagiac, passed away on Saturday, April 7, 2018, at her home.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac. A private family burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Those wishing to sign Helen’s guest book online may do so at clarkch.com.

Helen was born on Aug. 15, 1920, to Lawrence and Edith (Zach) Wedow in La Porte, Indiana. She graduated from La Porte High School. On March 19, 1944, she married Earl G. Marhanka in Wahiawa, Hawaii. Helen was involved with many organizations over the years including over 50 years as part of the Sigma Alpha sorority, Garden Club and Junior Arts. Helen was a big supporter of Southwestern Michigan College, Borgess Lee Hospital and the Dowagiac art scene, donating the large sculpture located by the hospital, “Abundant Happiness,” in Earl’s name in September 2012.

Helen is survived by her children, Michael Marhanka of Lansing, Susie (Michael) McLoughlin of Cassopolis, Jane Marhanka of Oakland, California, and Robert (Hildegard) Marhanka of Dowagiac; 11 grandchildren 19 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Edith; husband of 46 years, Earl Marhanka and brothers, Bob, Lawrence “Bud” and Ralph Wedow.

The family would like to thank the staff at Forest Glen for all their support.