Helen Kokes

Helen Marie Kokes was born February 15, 1933 to Charles and Marie (Kozak) Novak on the family farm east of Tabor. She attended Petrik rural school through the eighth grade. She worked at home on the farm and was employed at Red Owl in Yankton, SD. Helen married Donald Kokes on October 6, 1959 in Tabor, SD. They farmed north of Tabor and had one son, James. Donald was killed in a farm accident in 1964 and she and Jim remained on the farm. Helen raised chickens for many local customers. She also worked as a house cleaner in Yankton for several years. Helen was a member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church and Altar and Rosary Society. Helen is survived by her son, James (Debra) Kokes of Tabor, SD; two grandchildren, Jason (Katie) Kokes and Janelle Kokes, all of Tabor, SD; sister, Marie (Richard) Syring of Yankton, SD; brother, Laddie (Mary) Novak of Utica, SD, sisters-in-law, Jeanette Novak of Yankton, SD, Delores Kokes of Delmont, SD, Delphine Kokesh of Scotland, SD, Norma Kokesh of Mitchell, SD and Agnes Kokesh of Wagner, SD and many nieces and nephews. Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, brothers, Alois Novak and Charles Novak and several brothers and sisters-in-law.