Obituary of Helen R. Crackel

AUBURNDALE - Mrs. Helen R. Crackel, age 93, a resident of Auburndale passed away Monday, April 29, 2013 at the Highlands Lake Center Nursing Home in Lakeland due to natural causes. Mrs. Crackel was born October 5, 1919 in Saco, Montana to Edgar and Ella (Mayer) Rudolph. She was an Auburndale resident since 1942 coming from Chicago. Helen was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Auburndale and retired as vice president from Sun Bank after 39 years of service. She graduated from Evanston Township High School where she lettered in basketball. In the 1980s Mrs. Crackel and her husband became co-founders and trustees of Polk County Landmarks Inc. in order to purchase the Polk Theatre. The organization was successful in raising funds to begin the restoration of the historic theater. She enjoyed collecting antiques, antique china and loved to travel. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Edmund A. Crackel, Sr.; brothers & sisters. Helen is survived by her family: 3 sons: Edmund "Ed" A. (Becky) Crackel, Jr. of Huntsville, AL, John B. (Annie) Crackel of Auburndale, FL, James "Jim" S. Crackel of Lakeland, FL; 3 grandchildren: Edmund "Eddie" A. (Caroline) Crackel of Huntsville, AL, Elizabeth Crackel of Folsom, CA, Carolyn (Michael) Bishop of Bovey, MN; 3 great grandchildren: Lily, Miles & Sara. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, May 3, 2013 at the Kersey Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Auburndale Memorial Park. Visitation will be held before from 10:00 till 11:00 AM at the funeral home.