Helen Novacek

Helen B. Novacek, age 101, resident of Edmore, ND, told family members on May 15, 2014, that she was going to her heavenly home tomorrow and this is what she did. Helen grasped her Savior's hand May 16, 2014 at the Good Samaritan Center in Park River, ND, where she had been a resident for four days.

Helen B. Danielson was born June 14, 1912 near Edmore in Newland Township, Ramsey County, ND, the daughter of Helmer and Bastine (Amundsen) Danielson. Along with 11 brothers and sisters she grew up in Newland Township and attended Consolidated school there. Prior to her marriage Helen worked as a domestic on farms and cooked in cook cars in the fall. She met the love of her life, Joseph Mathew Novacek, at a barn dance. They were married November 12, 1936 at Nekoma, ND. The couple began their married life with Joseph's parents on the family farm in Prospect Township near Edmore, where they farmed throughout their lifetime. The couple moved to Edmore in 1975. Joseph passed away April 2, 1977. Helen moved her farm home to Edmore in 1978, residing there until a few days prior to her death. Helen worked a few years cooking in Deseth's Café in Edmore. Mostly she loved tending her family and enormous extended family. Helen's home in Edmore was called "Helen's Social Club and Activity Center" as it was always open daily to family and friends who came to enjoy her home-baked goodies and coffee. She continued to make bread and jam in her home until a month before she passed away. Helen loved everyone, and people in the community loved this kind and gentle woman. She enjoyed flowers and gardening and also made dozens of lefse at Christmas. Helen got great pleasure out of giving away her goodies and produce. She was interviewed and appeared on WDAZ TV on her 101st birthday. When asked what she did to live so long, she displayed her ever-keen mind and wit by saying, "don't drink milk."

Survivors include her daughters, Joan (Donald) Viger of Edmore and Rita (John) Sanderson of Grand Forks; 6 grandchildren, Randall Viger of Edmore, Brent (Jann) Viger of Savage, MN, Troy (Helen) Woldmoe of Brooklyn Park, MN, Paula (Erik) Kittelson of Maple Grove, MN, Chad (Rita) Sanderson of Rochester, MN, and Michael (Amy) Sanderson of Bloomington, IN; 6 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; 1 sister-in-law, Norma Danielson of Coon Rapids, MN; special friends, Carol Novacek and Sheryl Nelson, both of Edmore.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; parents, Helmer and Bastine; daughter, Patricia Woldmoe; son-in-law, Lyle Woldmoe; 6 brothers, Albert, Dortinus, Henry (Norma), Robert, Martin (Adeline), and Clifford (Alice); 4 sisters, Elma (Jens) Deseth, Kjersti Danielson, Ruth Danielson, and Marie (John F.) Novacek.

The Funeral Service will be held at Concordia Lutheran Church, Edmore, ND, on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be the Reverend Don Reynolds. The organist will be Lois Myrvik with special music provided by the High Plains Trio. Interment will be in St. Edward's Catholic Cemetery, Nekoma, ND. Serving as casketbearers will be Randall Viger, Brent Viger, Chad Sanderson, Michael Sanderson, Troy Woldmoe, Paula Kittelson, and James Novacek. Honorary casketbearers will include anyone who had a cup of coffee at Helen's Social Club and Activity Center. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home, Lakota, ND, on Tuesday, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Wednesday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.