Helena C. Traenkner

Helena C Traenkner, 101, of New Port Richey FL, passed away Wednesday June 24 th 2020. She
was born Sept 8 th 1918 in Tarentum Pennsylvania to the late Michael Glink and Hazel
Hutchinson Glink. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Fred Traenkner, and
her sister Lillian Bair.
She has always felt a strong connection with Faith Lutheran Church of Natrona Heights, which
was her family church when she was young. She was confirmed there after going through the
instruction twice because she was too young to be confirmed with the very first confirmation
class in the new church.
She graduated from Har-Brack high school in 1936. She married Fred in 1940 and lived in
several places as his career advanced. They moved to Massena, New York, where she taught
Sunday school. The family all skated together for
months during the long cold winters and went fishing in the summer. Helena knitted sweaters,
mittens, and scarves for everyone to keep warm. She loved to cook and invited those with no family nearby
for dinner during the holidays.
Fred was transferred from Massena to Lafayette, Indiana in 1957. There Helena and Fred took
up golf. Helena being the better golfer won several trophies. They were transferred back home
to the Pittsburgh area in 1965. Pittsburgh was her favorite home, and there she loved her
garden and had beautiful roses and fragrant flowers. She followed Fred’s dream and moved to
Florida in 1987. There she enjoyed china painting, golf, cards, and travel. She always kept her
faith and was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in New Port Richey, FL.
Helena is survived by her 3 loving children, Linda, Alan wife Janet, and Patricia. She has 7
grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren all whom she loved.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 Saturday in the CICHOLSKI-ZIDEK FUNERAL HOME, 1522 Carlisle St,
Natrona Heights PA. Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday in Faith Lutheran Church with Pastor
Robert Kiplinger officiating. Contributions in memory of Helena may be made to Faith Lutheran
Church, 1500 Broad View Blvd, Natrona Heights PA 15065.