Helen Arps-Fencl

Helen Arps-Fencl, 89, of Linwood passed away Tuesday, March 24, at David Place in David City.

Memorials can be designated to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Abie or Linwood Volunteer Fire Dept. Memorials and cards can be mailed to Svoboda Funeral Home P.O. Box 267 Schuyer, NE 68661.

Helen’s family asks that those wishing to send plants and flowers refrain from sending arrangements until the memorial service is held at a later date.

In compliance with the current Covid-19 regulations, a family service and burial will be held at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Abie on Monday, March 30, at 10 a.m., the services will be live-streamed to the Svoboda Funeral Home Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SvobodaFH . Those wishing to attend the service will be asked to stay in their car, as only the immediate family will be at the graveside.
A public memorial Mass and luncheon will be scheduled for a later date. Those wishing to leave condolences for the family may do so on the Svoboda Funeral Home Website, by clicking on the Tribute Wall tab.

Helen Arps-Fencl was born on March 30, 1930 on the family farm near Prague to John and Rose (Steinbach) Vanek. She graduated from Prague High School in 1947 and attended Midland College in Fremont. She taught in several country schools in Saunders and Butler County.

Helen married Vernon Arps on February 14, 1950 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic church in Abie. She was a devoted member of the Altar Society and taught C.C.D. there for 25 years. Helen was a member of the Abie District 25 School Board for several years, and was the leader of the Abie Busy Beaver 4-H Club for 30 years. She was also was a member of the Butler County ARC Board and served on the Butler County Election Board. Vernon and Helen were co-owners of Arps Sand, Gravel and Redi-Mix. After Vernon's passing Helen married Leonard Fencl in 1991.

She enjoyed many hobbies which included quilting, sewing, ceramics, stained glass, and cemetery research. Helen's special love was her grand-children and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband Leonard of David City; children: Pam (Jerry) Stearley of Lincoln, Alan (Trish) Arps of Schuyler, Mark (Diane) Arps of Schuyler, and Janet Anderson of Lincoln; 13 grandchildren: Branden (Steff) Arps, Andy (Kady) Arps, Craig (Jessica) Arps, Deanna (Derek) Beck, Matt Arps, Chris (Melissa) Arps, Stephanie (Branden) Levander, Nick (Melissa) Arps, Robin and Amy Stearley, Eric (fiancé Chloe Johnson) Anderson, Ryan and Victoria Anderson; great-grandchildren: Enyssa, Jayda, Nolan, Korbin, Kia, Grant, and Max Arps, Brooklynn Levander, Paxton and Xander Arps, Regan Beck, Grey and Flynn Arps, Isaac Callicoatt, and Jade Bartek; brother John Vanek; sister Clara Schrader; step-children: Pam (Mike) Fernandez, Michaela (Bud) Becker, and John (Marji) Fencl; step-grandchildren: Stephanie, Micah, and Josiah Fernandez, Amanda and Cayla McManaman, Buddy Becker, Lindsey, Matthew and Jeremy Fencl, Jill (Michele) Stogdill, Brian (Morgan) Prochaska; step great-grandchildren: Kendyl and Landon Stogdill, Kaylei, Bryce, Kiersten, Kynleigh, Emma Joseph, and Paisley Prochaska, Otto Becker, Alijah and Kai Enriquez, and Gianni Fencl

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, first husband Vernon in 1989, daughter Victoria in 1985, step-daughter Susan McManaman, sisters Christi Franta and Elaine Blum, brothers Rudy, Richard, Ed, and Milo Vanek.