Helen Klein, 91, Minot, formerly of Karlsruhe, passed away Friday, June 8, 2012, at Trinity Hospital in Minot.
Helen Merck was born Nov. 28, 1920, the third of 15 children to Jacob and Regina (Boehm) Merck, in Karlsruhe. She was raised and educated in Karlsruhe. As a young adult, she worked at St. Joseph's Hospital in Minot.
Helen married Pius J. Klein June 17, 1941, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Karlsruhe. They made their home on a farm located in Karlsruhe Township of McHenry County, south of Karlsruhe, where they farmed, raised livestock, and raised their nine children. They continued to farm until 1978, when they moved into Karlsruhe. Pius passed away Sept. 1, 1988.
Following her husband's death, she continued to reside in Karlsruhe. She then wintered in Mesa, Ariz., where she met and later married Ernest Grenz. They wintered in Arizona for over 10 years. Ernest passed away in 2000.
In August of 2000, she became the first resident of Somerset Court in Minot. She enjoyed living there and loved the staff that took such good care of her. She partook in all the activities, and especially loved not having to cook anymore. While living there, she went to daily mass, where she prepared the altar for service for some time. Mass and church meant everything to Helen.
Helen was dedicated to the Karlsruhe community. She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Karlsruhe, and its Christian Mothers group. She was also a member of the Karlsruhe Senior Citizens.
Helen enjoyed spending time with her brothers, sisters, children and her many grandchildren. Her many interests included music, dancing, gardening, and also long walks. She will be missed by all. We Love you mom!
Her loving family includes: children, Dairl (Pat) Klein, Karlsruhe, Wilfred (Marianne) Klein, Minot, Ronald (Gloria) Klein, Karlsruhe, Julie (Jerry) Sorenson, Minot, Lucy (John) Rosatti, Bottineau, Peter Klein, Karlsruhe, James (Deanna) Klein, Minot, and Helen (Robert) Whysong, Greenback, Tenn.; 21 grandchildren: Teresa (Mike) Koppang, Tim Klein, Kristen (Mike) Kjar, Rory (Cindy) Klein, Kerry Klein, Steve (Kathy) Klein, Vicki Duchsherer, Daniel Klein, Willy Joe (Sarah) Klein, Kristi (Dean) Feist, Tiffany Marking, Jack Klein, Jerry Sorenson Jr., Jason (Tricia) Sorenson, Tricia Rosatti, Ryan (Sara) Klein, Scott Klein, Lexi Klein, Mallary Klein, Hannah Klein, Canterra Whysong; 28 great-grandchildren; five great great-grandchildren; brothers, Fred (Kathleen) Merck, Minot, and Tony (Ardyth) Merck, Karlsruhe; sisters, Eva Pinchero, Detroit, Mich., Catherine Schmalz, Fargo, Maryann Burckhard, Towner, Ida (Tony) Lauinger, Karlsruhe, Agnes (Irving) Traiser, Minot, Angela (Emanuel) Klein, Towner, Regina (Dan) Feist, Minot, and Valeria Nystrom, Fargo; sisters-in-law, Cecilia Merck, Jean Merck and Beatrice Merck, all of Minot; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Pius and Ernest; son, Norbert Klein; great-grandson, Reed Kjar; brothers, Mike, John, Frank, and Christian Merck; brothers-in-law, Joe Pinchero, Alex Schmalz, Joe Burckhard, Milo Nystrom.
Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, June 11, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Karlsruhe.
Interment: Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Karlsruhe.
Visitation: Today, June 10, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.
Vigil Prayer Service: Today at 5 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: Are preferred to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Karlsruhe.
Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).
