Helen Kirk, 104, of Springfield

  Funeral Mass will be 11AM, Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at St. Vincent Catholic Church in Springfield. Burial is in the Springfield Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Wednesday from 9:30 to 11 AM. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Springfield Assisted Living Center or Good Samaritan Society-Tyndall in remembrance of Helen.

Helen E. Kirk, 104, of Springfield, SD, passed peacefully on April 1, 2026 at the Good Samaritan Society in Tyndall. Born Feb. 11, 1922 in Tabor, SD to John J. & Cecelia (Petrik) Rokusek, Helen graduated from Tabor High School in 1939 and was later trained in cosmetology in Sioux City, IA in 1941.

On June 9, 1947, she was united in marriage to James E. Kirk of Springfield. From this union they had two sons, John Harley and James Edward Jr. They lived in several communities due to James’ employment with USDA. Helen and James also acquired controlling business interest in the Springfield Independent Telephone Co. and in family farm operations near Springfield.

In 1963, James was suddenly taken, in a tragic car accident, while traveling from Aberdeen to Springfield. Following James death, Helen and her two boys, moved to Springfield where Helen took over management of the telephone company and farm. She continued to manage the company until 1972. She reentered the work force in 1978, employed by Northwest Public Service in Springfield until 1980, at which time she elected to permanently retire.

Helen remained very active in the community affairs and her church. She was a lifetime member of the Springfield Historic Society, Czech Heritage Society of Tabor, and charter member of the Springfield Golf Course and Springfield Assisted Living Center. She was active with the Springfield Chamber of Commerce and an 82-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary. During retirement, Helen enjoyed world travel. She took special pride in and meticulously maintained her home. She enjoyed hosting family and friends and served fabulous dinners.

Her two sons, John and Jim were very much loved and important to her life. She was very proud of her grandchild and, in her later years, especially enjoyed her great grandchildren. She is survived by her sons: John (Cheryl) Kirk and Jim (Karen) Kirk; grandchildren: Christina (Vitaliy) Zdorovtsov, James (Amy) Kirk, and Michael Kirk (Rachel Finfer); and six great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband James; her parents; brothers, John (Alice), George (Adeline), Jim (Francis), Leonard (Amy); and sister Mary (Frank) Kozak.