Helena Theresa (Simon) Janousek passed away on September 4, 2023, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Nebraska, surrounded by her family.
Helena was born May 30, 1974, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Kay and Jaynee (Shadley) Simon. Her early childhood was spent in St. Charles, Missouri. At the age of 10, she moved to Trenton, Nebraska.
January of 1993, she and Troy Horinek had a son, Devin Michael. Helena would later meet the love of her life, Leslie Janousek. They married on April 17, 1999. Their son, Zachary Phillip was born February 2000.
Helena enjoyed watching her boys participate in their various sporting events, but she also supported local athletes of all ages and sports. Whenever she was able, she attended her nieces’ and nephew’s activities with a favorite being her annual dance recital trip. She enjoyed many types of crafting but in recent years she took up crocheting and could often be found working on a blanket for one of her friends or family. Other favorite activities included: gardening, reality tv, racing (local and NASCAR), eating at the Olive Garden, caring for her fur babies and gambling (she was always up for a trip to the casino usually with her Mom). She looked forward to any opportunity to spend time with family but especially loved bike rides with her husband. Her greatest joy was her boys. Whether it was following Zach’s Navy career or seeing Devin start his own business, she was extremely proud of them.
Helena was preceded in death by grandmothers, Donna and Phyllis; grandfathers, Glen and Eldon; mother-in-law Annalea; and uncles Doug and Marcy.
Survivors include husband, Les; sons, Devin & Zach; acquired son, Colton; grandfather, Ollie; parents, Jaynee and Jerry and Kay and Sarah; father-in-law, Phillip; sister, Angel (Rodney); brother-in-law, Lance (Kristi); nieces and nephew: Chloe (Vic), Hanna (Jovi), Martina and Tyson; aunts and uncles: David (Lisa), Traci (Mike), Stewart (Pam), Sherie, Donna (Richard), Laurie (Danny); and the Janousek aunts & uncles by marriage; cousins and many dear friends.
Cremation was chosen and a rosary will be recited at 4PM on Sunday afternoon, September 10, 2023 at St. James Catholic Church in Trenton, Nebraska. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10AM on Monday morning, September 11, 2023 at St. James Catholic Church in Trenton with Father Gary Brethour celebrating. Inurnment will follow services in St. James Cemetery in Trenton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family, Dundy County Hospital or McCook Community Hospital Home Healthcare & Hospice. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.