Helen Penner, age 96 of Mahnomen, MN, died Friday, August 24, 2012 at Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home, Mahnomen.

Helen Penner was born March 22, 1916 to Paul and Ida (Hirsch) Penner at Howard Lake, MN. At a young age, her family moved to the Mahnomen area in 1920. She attended country school and graduated from Mahnomen High School with the class of 1934. Following high school, Helen worked at several stores in Mahnomen before moving to Fargo, ND in 1948. She was employed at First National Bank and Trust Company, which is now Wells Fargo, for 29 years. After retiring, Helen returned to Mahnomen in 1983. She made her home on Main Street in her parent’s home until April of 2009 when she entered the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.

Helen had a kind and gentleness about her, always pleasant to be around. She was very independent and organized and could often see the humor in things, even at some of her own doings. Helen was a devoted member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and enjoyed ladies aid and sewing quilts at the church. She also enjoyed going places with others, and appreciated her rides to and from church by fellow church ladies. Over the years, Helen had many fond memories, but truly treasured all the time she was able to spend with her lifelong friend, Fern Pederson.

Helen is survived by a niece, Carol Olman of Ada, MN, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Evelyn Olman.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, August 30, 2012 at 11 am at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mahnomen, MN.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral at the church.

Burial will be in the Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery, Mahnomen.