Helen was born on Feb. 16, 1916 to William and Lydia (Neimann) Shradar at home near Naper, Nebraska. Helen grew up in the Naper area and attended country school.

She operated a creamery station in Jamison, Nebraska, at which time she met Gerhardt Stahlecer. They married on Nov. 8, 1939. To this union were born six children.

The family moved to Pierre, South Dakota in 1956 as Gerhardt went to work on the Oahe Dam.

Helen was employed for many years by Duffy's Cafe and Scott's Cafe before going to work for the State of South Dakota as an elevator operator. Helen then started a cleaning service for private residences, and grew her list of clientele to the point she was able to do cleaning fulltime. Helen developed many close relationships cleaning homes, and enjoyed this career until her retirement. Helen held her independence dear and lived on her own until May of 2009 when she moved into the Golden Living Center.

Helen loved the outdoors where she gardened and experienced the wonders of nature. She had a great love of flowers, could never pass up a game of Bingo, attended many horse races and enjoyed washing dishes.

Helen could often be found studying the Bible and ready the word of God. Helen's greatest loves in this life were her children and grandchildren. She spent much of her life providing for and caring for those she loved. Her children will never be loved by anyone more than they were by her. Helen's caring ways will be missed by friends and family alike.

Helen is survived by her three sons, Garry, Dennis (Connie) and Norman (Sandy) Stahlecker, all of Pierre, SD; two daughters, Shirley Garrigan and Patricia "Pat" (Dennis) Fuchs, both of Pierre, SD; eighteen grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and extended family members. Also an "adopted son", Teddy Borrelli.

Helen was prededed in death by her husband; parents; daughter, Sandra Sundeen; grandson, William "Billy" Stahlecker; her nine sibling and numerous extended family members.

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