Helen Stachura

Helen J. Stachura, 85, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away on August 13, 2026.
Helen was born on a farm near St. Edward, Nebraska, to Edward and Veronica “Vernie” (Jarecki) Sokol.

As a teenager, Helen worked as a carhop at the Y-Knot Drive Inn in Columbus, where she was later joined by her two younger sisters, Kathryn and Mary. During her time at the Y-Knot, Helen became friends with Eileen Stachura, who introduced her to Eileen’s brother, Leander. That introduction began a love story that would span more than six decades. Helen and Leander were married on August 20, 1960, in Platte Center, Nebraska.

Helen began her career as a hairdresser and could occasionally be seen sporting pink or green hair as students practiced their hair-coloring techniques. She later decided to further her education, earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Nebraska. Helen went on to work for Lincoln Public Schools, retiring after serving as a computer teacher at Pershing Elementary School.

Throughout her life, Helen enjoyed playing cards, gardening, embroidery, and sewing. These favorite pastimes brought her many hours of enjoyment and gave her opportunities to create, relax, and spend time with others.
Above all, Helen treasured her family and took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She cherished the time they spent together and the many family memories they created throughout the years.
Helen and Leander enjoyed traveling together and shared many wonderful adventures throughout their marriage. After Leander’s passing, Helen and her sister Kathryn became next-door neighbors in the Cedar Cove Townhome community. Their youngest sister, Mary, affectionately dubbed the pair the “HelKats,” a nickname that became a special part of their years together.

In more recent years, Helen made her home at Legacy Terrace Retirement Community, where she enjoyed new and renewed friendships, many activities, and an active social life. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
Helen is survived by her children, Michael (Gail) Stachura of Lincoln, Cynthia Morand of Lincoln, and Charles (Kelly) Stachura of Raymond; grandchildren Ryan Morand and Jamie (Andrew) Van Ert of Lincoln, and Max Stachura of Lincoln and Zoie Stachura of Lenexa Kansas; and great-grandchildren Henry and Olivia Van Ert of Lincoln.

She is also survived by her step-granddaughters, Amy Rockenbach of Lincoln and Shelly Moore of Columbus; six step-great-grandchildren; and three step-great-great-grandchildren.

Helen is further survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Ed and Annette Sokol of State College, Pennsylvania; sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Allan Brock of Hickman; brother-in-law Vigil (Vickie) Stachura of Bloomington, Minnesota; sister-in-law Eileen Diers of Syracuse, Nebraska; as well as many extended family members and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Veronica (Jarecki) Sokol; her beloved husband, Leander Stachura; son-in-law Bob Morand; sister Kathryn Liss; brothers-in-law Don Long, Joe Liss, and Daniel Stachura; and nephews Keith Liss and Glenn Sokol.

Memorials may be given to the family for future designation.