For nearly 34 years, Helen Tekulve has quietly and faithfully served our Sisters—peeling potatoes, cleaning ovens, washing dishes, and preparing healthy, nourishing meals day after day. While the Sisters carried out their ministry and life’s work, Helen was one of the steady hands behind the scenes making that possible. Their ability to serve was strengthened by those who served them—and for 34 years, Helen has done exactly that with humility, dedication, and love.
Over the decades, much has changed. The kitchen evolved from more manufactured foods to meals lovingly prepared from scratch. Yet one thing has never changed: the Sisters always receive homemade mashed potatoes. That consistency feels symbolic of Helen herself—reliable, comforting, and made with care.
Helen grew up in the Sunman area as one of three children. After marrying her husband, William —known to many as “Tek”—she moved to the Batesville area, where together they raised three beautiful children. Tek passed away, but the life they built together continues through their family. Helen is now the proud grandmother of three grandchildren, ages 14, 16, and 20.
Helen was a devoted stay-at-home mom, and when her youngest child entered first grade, she made the thoughtful decision to return to work. Her motivation was simple and full of love: to make Christmas special for her children and to ensure her family could thrive with the support of a two-income household.
Today, Helen lives with her daughter and another cherished member of the family—Lola, her black Labrador, who is unquestionably the queen of the house.
Living in Batesville, Helen said “everyone knew the Sisters,” which is how her journey with them began. She started on the evening shift and, over the years, transitioned to days. She has served in nearly every role—dishwasher, cleaner, cook—and now serves as the breakfast cook, feeding our 98 Sisters on site as well as those who come to visit. Her love of service didn’t stop with her own work; it inspired her daughter Miranda to become a nurse’s aide, and even her granddaughter now works here as a night shift aide. Helen’s spirit of care has truly become a family legacy.
Helen often reflects with gratitude on how the Sisters supported her when her children were young. If one of them was sick, she was encouraged to stay home without fear or guilt. Her dedication was valued, and her family always came first when it truly mattered. She remains deeply thankful for that understanding—and for the generous time off that allowed her to be both a devoted mother and a committed employee.
When asked about Sisters who made a lasting impression, Helen fondly remembers Sister Becky, who loved going outside and chatting about kitty cats, and Sister Seraphica, who was famous for quickly darting into the kitchen and swiftly collecting potato peelings or plastic wrap. The potato peelings always found their way to the garden, carefully placed around the plants. As for the saran wrap? It may still be out there somewhere. “She was so fast,” Helen laughs, “you wouldn’t even see her.” She also treasures seeing Sister Mary Fliehman, whom she describes as an absolute sweetheart and flexible when it comes to her dietary needs.
Now transitioning from full-time work into part-time semi-retirement, Helen is embracing life at a gentler pace—doing more of what she loves. And one thing is certain: Helen is the Queen of Bingo. She plays up to 18 cards at a time and travels with a close friend-to Bingo halls in St. Louis, Morris Church, and the Sunman and Milan VFWs. With her lucky orange dabber always by her side, Helen remains politely silent about both her winnings and losses. Twice a year, she also attends Super Bingo in St. Louis, a massive event with nearly 500 players, larger prizes, and proceeds that support St. Louis School.
Beyond Bingo, Helen loves shopping trips to Sam’s Club or Meijer with a friend who started as a coworker and became family. That is always followed by a good meal at LongHorn Steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse, Red Lobster, or Quaker State and Lube—where she highly recommends the hot wings and onion rings. She also enjoys comedy and scary movies, with Pretty Woman and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days among her favorites.
Reflecting on this new chapter of life, Helen sums it up simply and beautifully: “I just do what I want.” Don’t we all hope to reach that place—where joy becomes part of the everyday? For Helen, that joy is found in a good Bingo game, time with family, a great movie, and a delicious meal. And for nearly 34 years, her joy, dedication, and love have been a gift to our Sisters—one homemade meal at a time.