Helen Kilian

Helen C. Kilian, 84, of Howard Lake, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 15, 2017. Helen’s memorial service will be Saturday, September 9, at 10 am, at Crosslake Lutheran Church. Interment will be at Pinewood Cemetery in Crosslake.

Helen was born on April 7, 1933 in Biscay, to Henry and Elsie (Oltman) Bartel. She grew up on Rush Lake in Crosslake. Helen married Howard Kilian on October 31, 1950. They moved to the Twin Cities in 1953 and then back to Crosslake in 1974. Helen was a member of Crosslake Lutheran Church. She worked cleaning homes, offices, Crosslake lumber, and Crosslake Lutheran Church for several years. She enjoyed crafting, painting, and fishing.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Beverly (Donald) Nelson, Patricia Kilian, and Jeannine (Dennis) Yager; three grandchildren, Dustin Nelson, Shanna (Peter) Jetson, and Craig Yager; seven great-grandchildren, Mikayla Nelson, Dakoda Nelson, Rachel Jetson, Melanie Jetson, Kyle Jetson, Chase Yager, and Cash Yager; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard; parents, Henry and Elsa Bartel; sister, Verda Girgen; and brother, Harlan Bartel. Memorials are preferred, to the American Cancer Society or to the Alzheimer's Association. Special thanks to the staff of Good Samaritan, Howard Lake, Heartland Hospice, Brainerd, Pastor Kristin Oltmann, Crosslake Lutheran Church, and Pastor Paul Koch, St. John’s Lutheran Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Crosslake, 800-824-5051, www.brenny.com.