Helen Duenow, 71, Elizabeth, MN

Helen Duenow

Helen I. Duenow, 71, of Elizabeth, died Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008, at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls.
She was born Oct. 23, 1936, in Fergus Falls, the daughter of Oscar and Lillian (Peterson) Trosvig. Helen grew up in Fergus Falls, attending school there. She was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls.
On March 6, 1954, she married Roger “Shorty” Duenow at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Friberg Township of rural Fergus Falls. Together she and Roger operated Duenow’s Champlin Station in Elizabeth. She then worked at the General Store in Elizabeth and later at the Broen Memorial Home. In addition, Helen and a few friends operated a cleaning service in the area for many years.
Helen will be remembered for her love of family and friends. She loved visiting with them, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was her greatest joy.
She enjoyed walking the downtown businesses, getting her hair done, the Game Show Network, soaps, the Minnesota Twins, NASCAR, going out to eat, decorating for Halloween — especially with witches, trips to Rochester, and dancing.
Helen had a special way of always finding the appropriate gift for everyone, and she loved preparing and delivering her famous bars and casseroles to others. She also participated in the Relay for Life, and the Elizabeth Ladies Auxiliary.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Roger “Shorty”; and her brothers-in-law, Wilbur Boese, Alfred “Bud” Norgren, Jr., and Arnold Kumm.
Survivors include her children, Laurie (Kevin) Knutson of Fergus Falls, Bonnie Klovstad and Lonny Duenow, both of Elizabeth; her grandchildren, Justin (Debbie) Knutson, Lainne and Brianna Knutson, Jason Klovstad, and Ashley (Darran) Meyer; her great-grandchildren: Kaydence Knutson and Jagger Meyer; sisters, Inez Norgren, Colleen Kumm, Ramona (Clarence) Kumm and Lois (Leo) Eggen, all of Fergus Falls; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.
Visitation: Friday from 3 to 5 p.m., at the funeral home
Service: 10 a.m. Saturday at First Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Revs. Matt Philaya and James Amspacher
Burial: St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Elizabeth
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls

• Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com