Helen Jecminek Leben

Helen Jecminek Leben, 88, of Fort Collins, formerly of Holyoke, Colorado, went to meet her Lord on January 26, 2010. She was born in Watertown, South Dakota on October 1, 1921 to Reinhold and Molly Marker Litka. She lived at the Denver Home for Children from the age of 5 until the age of 15 when she was "hired out" to a family in Holyoke. She married Leonard Jecminek and five children were born to this union. He passed away in 1952. She then married Rex Leben in 1958 and celebrated 50 years of marriage before he passed away in 2008. Two more children were added to the family. Having grown up in an orphanage, she considered her children her greatest blessings. Helen spent her life taking care of her family and cooking incredible meals, cinnamon rolls, and desserts. She loved to sew and did it for her family and for many others. She even created entire wedding party ensembles including the bride's gown. She was very active in the church in Holyoke and contributed to her church in Fort Collins as much as she was able. She and Rex moved to Fort Collins in 1999 to be closer to children. Helen had an especially strong faith that saw her through her youth at the orphanage and through the years of raising 5 children by herself. God's strength shone through her and she was an incredible example for others, especially her children. She was preceded in death by husbands, Leonard Jecminek and Rex Leben; a sister, Dorothy Brown, brother-in-law, Ray Leben and sisters-in-laws , Virginia Leben and Fern Mast. She is survived by her brother, David Litka; brother-in- law, Wayne Leben; sisters-in-law, Betty Brown Gene; Fay Rockwell Gene, and Yvonne Wernet, Boyce. She is also survived by her children, Chuck Jecminek Sonja of Roanoke, Virginia; Al Jecminek Loraine of Oro Valley, Arizona, Gloria Lewis, Forest of Rochester New York, Dave Jecminek Susan of Loveland, Dan Jecminek Elaine of Greeley, Pam Kropp Fred of Fort Collins, and Ryan Leben Tina of China Grove, North Carolina, 22 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and numerous great-great grandchildren. The family extends their love and gratitude to the residents and staff of Turnberry Place Assisted Living, who in a very short time became a part of Mom's family. Funeral Services will be held Friday, 10:00 a.m., at Peace With Christ Lutheran Church, Fort Collins and a graveside service will be held 3:00 p.m. at the Holyoke Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Peace With Christ Emergency Family Fund, Peace With Christ Lutheran Church, 1412 West Swallow Road, Fort Collins, CO, 80526.