TRAVERSE CITY — Helen Rataj, 63, of Traverse City, passed away July 19, 2010, at her home surrounded by her family. Helen was born on April 11, 1947, to the late Curt and Jeanne Kofahl in Detroit. Helen graduated from Michigan State University in 1970. She was very proud to be a Spartan and was a big fan of Spartan Basketball. In 1976, Helen moved to Traverse City with her husband, Dave. She then began her 30-plus year career at Munson Medical Center as a Nurse. She was a very caring and compassionate person. In her spare time she enjoyed watching movies and working with her husband around their home and in their yard. Helen also loved to play golf with her husband and with her many friends. More recently she loved to volunteer at the Traverse City State Theatre and was a proud supporter of animal welfare. Helen will be greatly missed by her many friends, and especially her family. She is survived by her husband, Dave of Traverse City; her children, Meredith (Brian) Rataj of Portland, Ore., and Dave (Drew) Rataj of Portland, Ore.; and brother, Curt (Linda) Kofahl Jr. of Brighton. A memorial service celebrating Helen's life will be held on Friday, July 23, 2010, at 3 p.m., at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Friends are invited to join the family at the Grand Traverse Heritage Center immediately following the service for fellowship and refreshment. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to http://main.acsevents.org/goto/meredithrataj . All proceeds will be donated to The American Cancer Society, as Helen's daughter, Meredith is competing in a half-marathon in honor of her mother. To share your thoughts and memories with the family, please visit Helen's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.