Helen Cigelske, 85

Helen Emma Cigelske, 85, Parkers Prairie, died Monday, March 19, 2012, at St. William’s Living Center in Parkers Prairie.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 23 at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie with the Rev. Kirk Lee officiating. Music will be provided by organist, Maureen Diedrich and vocalist, the Rev. Clark Jahnke.

Burial will take place at Parkers Prairie Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jesse Anderson, Scott Duberowski, B.J. Revering, Steven Lemke, James Birr and Keith Christen. Honorary pallbearers will be Jennifer Anderson, Patti Jahnke, Kayla Duberowski and Cohen Jahnke.

Helen was born April 27, 1926 to Emil and Alma (Jopp) Birr in Albany. She grew up in Albany, attended country school and helped her family on the home farm. She was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Farming, where she enjoyed playing the organ for services.

She was united in marriage to Reuben Lemke at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Farming. Following their marriage, they continued to live in the Albany area and to this union, two children were born, Ronald and Kenneth. Her husband died early in their marriage.

Helen attended beauty school in Stockton, California and returned to Minneapolis where she worked at Montgomery Wards. She was united in marriage to Junior Cigelske on June 9, 1956, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in St. Cloud. Following their marriage they lived in Avon before moving to Parkers Prairie. To this union, three children were born, Debra, Daniel and Lisa.

Helen and Junior worked together manufacturing and building silos and selling farm equipment. Helen was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and former member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary. She enjoyed ceramics, crocheting, knitting, playing piano, crossword puzzles, baking, especially rhubarb and apple pies.

Helen moved to St. William’s Living Center in July of 2009, where she resided until her death. May she rest in peace.

Helen is survived by her husband, Junior; two sons, Kenneth (Paula) Lemke of St. Cloud and Daniel Cigelske of Parkers Prairie; two daughters, Debra (Mike) Jahnke and Lisa (Bryan) Revering, both of Parkers Prairie; two sisters, Leona Curran of Albany and Louella (Arthur) Hinnenkamp of Brooklyn Center; five grandchildren, Jennifer (Jesse) Anderson, Patti Jahnke, Steven Lemke, Kayla (Scott) Duberowski and B.J. Revering; a great-grandson, Cohen Jahnke; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Reuben Lemke; son, Ronald Lemke; four sisters, Aurelia, Wyanda, Ann and Pat; and a brother, Aaron.

Arrangements are by Lind Family Funeral and Cremation Service, www.lindfamilyfh.com.

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