Helen Kakes, of Antigo, died Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at Aspirus Langlade Hospital. She was 84 years old. She was born on August 17, 1937, in Antigo, a daughter of Henry and Charlotte (Holten) Packard. She married Carl Kakes on October 19, 1957, at Antigo United Methodist Church. He preceded her in death on June 23, 2009.
Helen's pride and joy was the home that she and Carl built together and shared with their family for over 60 years. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed, baking, gardening, fishing, camping and sewing. She loved playing games and doing puzzles with her grandchildren.
Helen was proud to have been a grandmother for the Unified School District of Antigo for over 17 years.
She was a member of Antigo United Methodist Church.
Survivors include two sons, Carl D. (Connie) Kakes of Antigo and Hank (Nancy) Kakes of Bryant; a son-in-law, Sheldon Damos of Antigo; nine grandchildren, Erin (Dan) Wick, Katie (Benny) Rickun, Sam Wilson, Shelley (Matt) DeGrave, Tiffany (Tony) Pennington, Heather (Bobby) Meyers, Paul Kakes, Evan Damos and Cody Kakes; six great-grandchildren, Philip, Ava, Brieanne, Amelia, Jack and Everly; three sisters, Violet Bina, Bonnie (Jim) Shafel and Kathy (Dale) Vacha; a brother, Bert (Kathy) Packard; and a brother-in-law, Don Wirz.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Cindy Damos; two grandchildren, Sean and Carrie Damos; a great-grandson, Ayden Pennington; two sisters, Nicky Wirz and Ida (Alex) Scupien; two brothers, Robert Packard and George Packard; and a brother-in-law, Richard Bina.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Antigo United Methodist Church with Reverend Debbie Pimm officiating. Burial will take place in Elmwood Cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday, October 1, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home.
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Antigo, WI 54409
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Antigo, WI 54409
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Antigo, Wisconsin 54409
I so enjoyed working with Helen at Spring Valley Elementary. She was an important member of our Spring Valley family and a special “Grandma” in our kindergarten class for many years. Through the years, “Grandma Kakes” helped little ones practice letters and numbers, as well as learn how to tie their shoes. She even shared her treasured angel collection with us! Helen so enjoyed talking about her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will certainly be missed. My sincere sympathies to the entire Kakes family. Lisa Peaslee
Hank, Nancy and family: We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Peace Lily was purchased for the family of Helen Kakes by Tribute Store.
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