A Celebration of Life was held for Helen Wheeler, age 85, of Lino Lakes, Minn., (formerly of Henning) on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Karvonen Funeral Home in Wadena, with Rev. Wendell Wahlin officiating. Congregational hymns were accompanied by Marlene Wahlin. Special music was provided by Kayla Veenstra and Barb VanWyk. Pallbearers were Jeremiah Hill, Joel Lambrides, Eric Sitarz, Steve Veenstra, Joel Weber, and David Wheeler. Helen was laid to rest at First Baptist Cemetery, Henning.

Helen was born on August 21, 1937 in Estherville, Iowa. Her parents were the late Arthur and Clara (Randall) Biery. Helen attended Estherville High School, graduating with the class of 1955. Following high school, she attended St. Paul Bible Institute, receiving an Associate of Arts degree in Biblical Studies in May of 1957. It was there that she met her husband, Harley Wheeler and on June 14, 1958 they were united in marriage at Union Baptist Church in Estherville, Iowa. Their marriage was blessed with five children. Harley and Helen made their first home in St. Paul, Minn. In 1963, Harley was called to pastor the Milford Baptist Church in Milford, Iowa. After 8 years in Milford, Harley and Helen moved to Karlstad, Minnesota in 1971, where Harley was pastor of Karlstad Baptist Church. Their next move was to rural Cambridge, Minn. in 1977, where Harley served as pastor of Spring Vale Baptist Church. Their final move was to Henning in 1985, where they made their home until Harley’s passing. Over the years, Helen perfected her skills as a baker of homemade bread and dinner rolls. She regularly supplied ‘Helen’s buns’ for celebrations and events. She was also famous for her sugar cookies, enjoyed by many people as a special Christmas treat. Helen’s favorite place to be was always by Harley’s side, whether it was on their daily walks, watching Twins games (although she might have slept through a couple of those), or serving at church. After Harley’s death on October 25, 2015, Helen moved into an assisted living residence in Henning. When her need for nursing care increased, she moved to Gracewood, an assisted living facility in Lino Lakes, MN to be closer to her children.

Helen passed away peacefully on July 7, 2023 at Gracewood at 85 years of age.  She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.  Preceding Helen in death were her parents; husband, Harley; daughter, Marilyn; siblings: Robert Biery, Ruth Ferraro, and Murl Biery.

Helen is survived by her sons: Bruce Wheeler of Brooklyn Park, Minn.; Brian (Tammy) Wheeler of Blaine, Minn.; daughters: Deanna Wheeler of North Branch, Minn.; Marla (Jason) Hill of Huron, S.D.; 7 grandchildren: David (Amanda), Laura (Joel), Kristin (Eric), Kayla (Steve), Alissa (Joel), Emma, and Jeremiah; 11 great-grandchildren: Elijah, Leah, Abigail, Ezekial, Dinah, Cohen, Tatum, Malin, Berit, Edward, and Isabel; sister Barbara Carney of Las Vegas, Nev.; and many dear relatives and friends.

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Helen’s Tribute Wall.

Arrangements provided by Belmont-Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of Henning.