Helen L. Brunkow

Helen L. Brunkow, 69, passed away April 7, 2011. She was born May 23, 1941 to F. Otis and S. Evelyn (Rose) Pearman in Iola, Kansas. She married Robert W. Ward in 1958 at Iola, and they were divorced in 1973. Helen moved to Topeka in 1963 and worked for Security Benefit Companies and Planned Health Services. She later worked as an assistant to a Mary Kay Sales Director. She was actively involved with the First Baptist Church of Topeka as membership chairman and in varying positions in the Christian Women's Council.

She married Byron E. Brunkow on October 5, 1975 in McPherson, KS. He survives. Helen was a caring mother and thoroughly enjoyed being a grandmother. Other survivors include her son, Robert D. Ward and daughter-in-law Kristie of Roanoke, VA; step-daughter Angela D. Vierra and her husband Bill of Collinsville, OK; step-son Bradley E. Brunkow, Springfield, MO; step-son Michael T. Brunkow, Kansas City, MO; four grandsons, and five siblings. Helen was preceded in death by her daughter, Barbara L. Ward, a step-daughter, Tracy L. Brunkow, and two sisters.

Cremation is planned. Memorial services will be held on Friday, April 15 at 2:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 3033 MacVicar in Topeka. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Research Foundation, 14980 Omicron Dr. San Antonio, TX 78245-3217 or the First Baptist Church Music Dept. 3033 SW MacVicar, Topeka, KS 66611.