National Mine – Helen J. Solka, age 95 of 375 Co. Rd. PDJ, National Mine, passed away on Saturday February 16, 2008 at her home while under the loving care of her family and the U.P. Home Health and Hospice.


Helen was born February 8, 1913 in National Mine the daughter of the late Thomas G. and Rebecca (Dymond) Hill. Helen was married to Paul Solka and together they had 4 children. Helen had worked as a cook, first at Corneliuson's Bakery then at the National Mine School, and later for the Tilden Twp. Hall, serving senior meals. Helen was a member of the Salisbury United Methodist Church.

She enjoyed Knitting and Crocheting, and was known as "The Mitten Lady" because for years she would donate over 50 pairs of knitted mittens to the Salvation Army and her church. Along with this she would donate Afghans to area Nursing Homes, always giving of her time and talents.

Survivors include her daughter Pauline Rosten of Colorado Springs, CO; two sons – James Solka of National Mine and Thomas (Judith) Solka of Cocoa, FL; 13 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, 16 great great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews, including special nieces Connie Valente and Betty Maki. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul in 1971, a son Conrad in 1998, and two brothers – Thomas and Samuel Hill.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00pm on Tuesday February 19, 2008 at the Bjork& Zhulkie Funeral Home with the Rev. Terri Branstrom to officiate. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.
Friends may call at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home from 11:00am until 1:00pm on Tuesday.

Pallbearers will be Jeff, Dean, Allen and Cody Solka, John Mattson and John Hamel.