Helen Winnifred Zimmer Crippen, 90, of Ada, MN, formerly of Fargo, ND, died on Thursday, August 25, 2011, at the Bridges Care Community, Ada, MN. She was born on June 2, 1921, at Minot, ND, to Lance and Margaret (Zahn) Zimmer. They moved to Bismarck, ND, where Helen graduated from St. Mary's Catholic High School. She attended one year of college in Minot, before returning to Bismarck where Helen worked in retail for the next couple of years.
On June 24, 1944, Helen was united in marriage to Robert Crippen at Bismarck, ND. They moved to Fargo, ND, where Robert began teaching. Helen worked at Sears and Roebuck for the next 15 years and became a homemaker after the birth of their daughter, Julie.
Helen was an active charter member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Fargo. For many years she served the church as the wedding coordinator. Helen also assisted with many other areas of ministry within the church. Bowling on a team and with her husband kept her active for many years. And, for a time, Helen made ceramics.
Where Helen truly shined as a wife and mother was her ability to be a homemaker. Helen devoted herself to caring for, nurturing, and providing for Bob and Julie. As the grandchildren came along, Helen expanded her role of wife and mother to include grandmother. Each of her grandchildren were loved and cared for when Helen was around, and she was especially proud of their individual abilities and talents.
Helen is survived by her daughter, Julie (Keith) Thompson, Fertile, MN; nine grandchildren: Justin (Susan), Erskine, MN; Andrew, Fertile; Mary (Caleb) Munch, Crookston, MN; Miriam (Nathan) DeBoer, Warroad, MN; Abraham, Luke, Noah, Gideon, and Esther. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Robert; one grandson, Jeremy; siblings: Hazel, Rosemary, Edward, Lorraine, Lucille, and Robert.

Funeral Services held at
10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Fredrikson Funeral Home
Ada, Minnesota

Pastor Dale Finstrom, Officiating

Cammie Sorenson, Organist

Congregational Hymns
"There Is A Redeemer"
"How Great Thou Art"

Pallbearers
Justin Thompson Andrew Thompson
Abraham Thompson Luke Thompson
Noah Thompson Gideon Thompson
Caleb Munch Nathan Deboer

Interment
Holy Cross Cemetery
North Fargo, North Dakota
(About 1:20 PM)