Helen J Endres

Traverse City – Helen J Endres, 93, passed away Thursday, November 17, 2016 at Munson Hospice House surrounded by her family.

Helen was born to John and Helen (Moe) Anderson on Sunday, December 3, 1922 in Muskegon, MI. She was the first female to work for the Muskegon Police Department. She joined the department in 1942 and worked for the Chief of Police as his secretary for several years. She married Jacob Endres and together they had 4 children, whom survive. Jacob and Helen moved to Traverse City in 1955 and she was active in the St Francis Church Altar Society and the Funeral Luncheon Committee.

She will be remembered for her incredible sense of humor. She was a fun loving person who always had a smile on her face. Helen loved to dance, especially to Dixieland Jazz and Swing music. Perhaps it was her Scandinavian heritage, but she loved to cook and entertain. There was always a plate of cookies or sweets set out when guests would arrive. Helen was very active in 4-H with the 'Kookie Cookers', which was a group of her two sons and their friends with whom she taught how to cook. Helen loved all that Northern Michigan had to offer, including the Cherry Festival, summer and beaches and the fall colors.

She is survived by her daughters Mary Ferris of Traverse City and Ann (James) Abfalter of Traverse City; sons William Endres of Traverse City and Richard Endres of Lansing, MI; brother William (Dot) Anderson of Mobile, AL; grand children Emily Abfalter, Hanna Endres, Natalie Endres and Andrea Endres.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jacob Endres; parents John and Helen (Moe) Anderson; sister in law Elaine (Vicky) Anderson; son in law George Ferris; and daughter in law Lisa Endres.

A visitation will be held Sunday, November 20, 2016 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, with a vigil service at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 21, 2016 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Father Ken Stachnik will officiate services.

In her memory, contributions to the Hospice House, c/o Munson Medical Center Regional Foundation, 1150 Medical Campus Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684; Meals on Wheels, 3963 three Mile Road, Traverse City, MI 49686 or the St. Francis Building Fund, c/o GTACS, 123 East Eleventh Street, Traverse City, MI 49684 would be appreciated.