Helen Suzanne Strickland Graul, 66

Helen Suzanne Strickland Graul passed peacefully on October 24, 2014, at her home in Coeur d'Alene, ID.

Helen was born on April 14th, 1948, at Misericordia Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. She was the first born child of George and Mozelle Strickland. Five years later she was joined by her brother Richard. Helen was named after her beloved grandmother Helen Picton Warlow Strickland. At the age of 19, Helen married Dean Jeske and they had four children, whom she dearly loved: Andrew, Steven, Rebecca, and Suzanne. Helen would often say her favorite name was Mom.

Helen began her nursing studies when her youngest child was 4 years old and graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Nursing the same year as her oldest child graduated from high school. She used her passion and skills to care for geriatric patients and later switched her field of expertise to a fulfilling career with hospice care. Helen shared her many gifts including compassion, caring, kindness, gentleness, and love with all of her patients and their families. She retired in 2011.

Helen and Dean went their separate ways and Helen later married Ken Graul. After her retirement, Helen focused on her family who she has always treasured as her greatest joy. She spent her last years traveling to her children's homes to be with her children and grandchildren. Helen is survived by her 4 children, 16 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren as well as Ken's 6 children and 17 grandchildren.

Services will be held today, October 28th at 12:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints chapel located at 2801 North 4th Street. Charitable donations can be made to local food banks. Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.