Helena Keller

Helena Keller, 81, Bismarck, passed away Friday, June 27, 2025, at home under the care of her daughter Sandy and Sanford Hospice since December of 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday July 8, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Helena was born August 12, 1943, to Frank J. and Rozalie H. (Novacek) Brda in Grand Forks. She was raised on the family farm in rural Polk County, MN. She was educated at a country elementary school and graduated from Warren high school, Warren, MN. Then Aaken’s Business College, Grand Forks, ND in 1961. Helena was united in marriage to Duane J. Keller on July 6, 1963, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Tabor, MN. To this union four children were born.

Helena worked as a secretary throughout her 40-year career until she retired in 2001. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, fishing, camping, paying cards, crafting, dancing and scrapbooking albums of family photos.

Over the last 13 years she handmade over 10,000 Christmas cards which members of St. Anne’s parish donated for her crafting project. Helena then donated these cards to residents of nursing homes in Bismarck, patients at the VA hospital, Fargo, and the VA nursing home in Lisbon.

Helena is survived by, sons, Kevin and Jason (Murrie); daughters, Sandra Bryant and Michelle Keller; grandchildren, Kadeyn Keller, Tyler Keller, Joshua (Amy) Easthouse, Jauna (Troy) St. Vincent, Katie (Brady) Klemetson; great-grandchildren, Ava St. Vincent, Ruby and Nova Easthouse, Gabriel Vatnsdal, Bohdi, Navy, and Sunny Klemetson; sister in law, Cathy Brda; and many nieces, nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Duane (2008); her parents; sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Charles Schumacher; brothers, David and Frank Brda; nephew, Shane Schumacher; infant great-grandson, Jett Joshua Klemetson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Mary’s Cemetery fund.