Helen L. Brunkow, 69, of Topeka died Thursday, April 7, 2011.
She was born May 23, 1941, to F. Otis and S. Evelyn (Rose) Pearman in Iola.
She married Robert W. Ward in 1958 in Iola. They were divorced in 1973. She 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.
On Oct. 5, 1975, she married Byron E. Brunkow in McPherson.
He survives, as do a son, Robert D. Ward, and daughter-in-law, Kristie, Roanoke, Va.; stepdaughter, Angela D. Vierra and her husband, Bill, Collinsville, Okla.; a stepsons, Bradley E. Brunkow, Springfield, Mo., and Michael T. Brunkow, Kansas City, Mo.; four grandsons, and five siblings.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Barbara L. Ward, a stepdaughter, Tracy L. Brunkow, and two sisters.
Cremation is planned.
Memorial services will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church, 3033 MacVicar, in Topeka.
Memorials may be sent to the Cancer Research Foundation, 14980 Omicron Dr., San Antonio, TX 78245-3217 or First Baptist Church Music Department, 3033 S.W. MacVicar, Topeka, KS 66611. To leave a message for the family online visit dovecremation.com.
Dove Cremation and Funeral Service of Topeka is in charge of arrangements.
Helen Brunkow
