Helen Marie Branstner

Helen Marie (Petersen) Branstner age 69 of Wadena, MN died Saturday, November 20, 2010 in Hibbing, MN. Helen was born to Wayne and Margaret (Wyffels) Petersen on November 7, 1941 in Walnut Grove, MN. Helen was wed to husband of 39 years, Arnold Ray Branstner on June 4, 1960. Together they had three children Steven, Lori and Robert (Bob). They raised their family in Wadena, MN and she continued to live there until the time of her death. Helen worked at Gambles Hardware, Lund Boat as a bookkeeper, Pine Cove Inn and Pizza Hut as a waitress; she was the bookkeeper for Central Burial Service for 30 years. Helen was full time mother and loving wife. Helen is survived by her daughter, Lori Lahtela; sons, Steve Branstner and Bob (Robin) Branstner; sisters, Carol (Marty) Thiede; Shirley Bruce; Kathy (Terry) Petersen and Mary Petersen; brothers, Larry (Donna) Petersen; James (Jeanette) Petersen; Tom (Pam) Petersen and Bob (Deb) Petersen; grandchildren, Nikkole, Cortney, Danielle and Ben; great grandchildren, Kadin, Brooke, Addison and Mason. Her parents Wayne and Margaret Petersen, husband Arnold Branstner and grandson Jed Branstner preceded her in death. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 23, 2010 from 5-8 PM at Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka, MN. Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at Zion Free Lutheran Church in Wadena, MN with Pastor Jeremy Vance officiating. Lonna Olson will serve as pianist. Sarah Vance will solo “In the Garden.” Congregational hymns are “Amazing Grace” and “The Old Rugged Cross.” Special music will be a recording by Vince Gill “Go Rest High on that Mountain.” Honorary Pallbearers are all who called her friend. Active Casketbearers will be Mike Worden, Andy Worden, James Petersen, Robert Petersen, Thomas Petersen and Larry Petersen. Interment will be at Green Lawn Cemetery in Verndale, MN.