Helen Wenzel

Visitation: will begin on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 starting at 1:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service to follow at 7:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus

Funeral Mass: will be held Wednesday, November 17, 2004 at 10:30 p.m. at St. Davids Catholic Church Interment: will follow in the Valley View Cemetery in Broadus

Helen Wenzel, age 65, of Broadus, MT passed away on Saturday, November 13, 2004 at the Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City, MT.

Helen was born on November 9, 1939 in South St. Paul, MN the daughter of Louis and Eleanor Tourville. She was raised and attended schools in South St. Paul and graduated High School there. In Helens early 20s, she contracted polio, which, through her strength she successfully fought and never had any complications from the illness. One of the interests Helen had while growing up in South St. Paul Minnesota was watching her family play sports, especially baseball and hockey. Even after leaving Minnesota she followed the North Stars and Twins. Some of you may have even heard her mention them from time to time.

In 1966, Helen married Delano Copley in South St. Paul, MN. They moved to Broadus, MT in 1968, where he passed away as a result of a car accident on April 13, 1969. Helen continued living in Broadus and in the fall of 1969, Darrell Wenzel walked into where Helen was working, when he saw the sparkle in Helens eyes, he knew he was in love. Helen was the person that saw the good in everyone and from that day she knew this was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. Helen and Darrell farmed in the Broadus area and she was able to do all the chores around the house and farm. She was the first one up and the last one to bed. When the family moved into town, Helen worked at the local hotel before working as a cook at the Homestead and the Cash Way Diner. Helen was an excellent cook, especially known for her caramel rolls, and many people tried to get her recipes, but in a charming way she would not let her secret out.

Everyone knew that Helen had a love for children, so when Darrell began trucking, it was no surprise that she began a day care in her home so she could bring children in to share her love. The first day a child came into her home you could see a special relationship begin to build. It wasnt long until all her kids couldnt wait to come over. She also understood each familys needs and would do what was necessary to make sure each child was taken care of down to birthdays and holidays. Helen was very good with her hands and enjoyed quilting and sewing. She also loved being around people and enjoyed playing cards and games. But most of all she loved her family especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Helen is survived by her husband Darrell of Broadus, four children; Jim and his wife Kandi of Atlanta, GA, Anna Wenzel of Winfield, KS, Darlene and her husband Darrel Smith of Sonnette, MT and Mark and his wife Rita of Broadus, MT, 18 grandchildren and 4 great-Grandchildren, her mother of South Saint Paul, MN, three brothers; Eugene, Keith and George, and four sisters Lucy, Julie, Eva and Annette and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Delano and her father Louis Tourville.

Visitation will begin on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 starting at 1:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service to follow at 7:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, November 17, 2004 at 10:30 p.m. at St. Davids Catholic Church. Rite of Committal will follow in the Valley View Cemetery in Broadus. Condolences may be sent to the family atwww.stevensonandsons.com. Memorials may be made to the Henry Malley Library in Broadus, 101 South Lincoln, Broadus, MT 59317 or to the charity of one's choice.