Helen M. Liester, 80 of Garretson SD, passed away on November 11, 2013, at Dougherty Hospice House after a brief battle with cancer. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 AM Saturday, November 16, 2013, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids. Visitation will begin at 4:00 PM Friday, at the church, with a Wake Service beginning at 7:00 PM. Minnehaha Funeral Home, Dell Rapids is handling the arrangements.
Helen was born on January 11, 1933, in Colman, SD, to John and Jennie Fiegen. She went to country school until 5th grade. She graduated from Dell Rapids St. Mary’s High School in 1950. She attended General Beadle Teachers College. She taught country school for 2½ years. On January 7, 1953, she married James Liester at St. Mary Catholic Church. She was a homemaker for over 60 years on the family farm and sold dozens of eggs throughout the community. She was active in altar society and birthday club for 50 years. She enjoyed dancing, playing cards, reading, and spending time with family, lifelong friends, and neighbors.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years James; children Wayne (Cheryl) Liester, Garretson SD; Elaine (Dave) Chapman, Dell Rapids, SD; Paul (Julie) Liester, Baltic SD; Cynthia (Brian) Dierks, Fulda, MN; 9 Grandchildren: Amy (Tom) Endres, Jodi (Jeff) Stebbins, Beth Liester, James Chapman, Rayanne, Katy & Tess Liester, Cole & Justin Dierks; 4 Great Grandchildren: Olivia, Abby and Ben Endres, Kylie Stebbins; 2 Sisters: Joyce Richter and Dorothy Baumberger, and 1 Brother: Virgil Fiegen
She is preceded in death by her parents and brother Melvin Fiegen.