Helen Wiesner

Helen Wiesner, (age 86), passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 11 surrounded by her family at Billings Clinic Hospital. She was born on April 3, 1930 in Ransom, KS to John and Frances Honas. She was the fourth of ten children, who all farmed with their parents in Ransom and Ellis, KS. Despite the dustbowl years of the 30's, she loved farming, especially driving the tractors and daily riding “Pony” out to the pastures to bring in the cows for milking. During this time, she would pray her rosary and talk to the birds. She learned to cook, clean, garden, and embroider under the winter kerosene lamps. She loved going to local dances at which many young men would wait for a turn to dance with her. One of those young men was Eugene F. Wiesner, whom she married on August 1, 1950. Together they raised five children. Helen would have gladly spent her years as a farm wife in Ellis, but instead moved with her family to Billings, MT in 1967. During this time, she oversaw a large, busy household; became her husband's personal secretary; operated a daycare center; and cleaned her house, in addition to many others. In her later years, she became a friend to every bird, duck, and squirrel in the neighborhood along with sharing her bountiful garden produce with others. She loved attending Mass at St. Patrick Co-Cathedral Catholic Church in Billings and prayed for everyone who came into contact with her. She was a devoted mother, wife, and grandmother whose family will sorely miss her. Helen is survived by her two sons, Eugene, Jr. (Mary) and Tim (Mary) Wiesner; three daughters, Lucy (Scott) Severs, Dottie (Rick) Hannon and Brenda (Maurice) Propp; five grandchildren, Simon (Mayzie) Wiesner, Charlie and Zach Severs and Ryan and Jake Hannon; one brother, Norbert Honas; two sisters, Laurene Evans and Stella Schoenburger, along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eugene; brothers, Ralph, Herman and John Honas; and sisters, Katie Gnad, Mary Wiesner and Marcella Honas. Viewing will be at Dahl Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, March 14 from 10:00 am - 6.00 pm with a vigil service starting at 6:00 pm. Celebration of Life Mass will be at St. Patrick Co-Cathedral on Wednesday, March 15 at 12:00 pm. Following the mass, a luncheon will be held at the church with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery.