Helen Doerfler, age 82, died Wednesday, December 30, 2015, at Ecumen Detroit Lakes in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Helen was born on September 9, 1933, in Ada, MN, to Henry and Nora Hagen (Sorenson). Helen attended and graduated Ada High School. Helen enjoyed dancing and being with friends. After high school, Helen married Robert Doerfler and was a stay-at-home mom until her husband's death in 1976. Helen received a life insurance payment after her husband's death. Here she was, a single mother of five, no job, and no college education. What did she do? She put the life insurance payment into a certificate of deposit for her eldest son. This was a true example of how Helen always put her children's needs above her own. Prior to her husband passing away, Helen never had a driver's license and had never driven a car. She then taught herself how to drive and got her driver's license. Helen now had to raise five children on her own. She found employment at Mahnomen High School as a cook where she worked for many years until her retirement. Helen enjoyed sewing and made almost all of her children's clothing. While a single mother, Helen learned how take care of the furnace, plumbing, and so many other chores. There was very little Helen could not and would not do on her own. Helen never remarried.

While retired, Helen enjoyed spending time and visiting with Lois Kuhn and Ardis Sargent, watching Fun Time Polka, having coffee and visiting at the Red Apple. She also enjoyed listened to mass on the radio when she was no longer able to personally attend. She treasured having her children home for the holidays and other occasions, and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren who were the light of her life.

Survived by her children: Suzanne Doerfler, Bemidji, MN, Michael Doerfler (Janelle), Monticello, MN, Bobbi Doerfler (fiancé, Andy Stock), Sioux Falls, SD, and Nathan Doerfler, Mahnomen, one daughter-in-law, Cindy Doerfler, Roy Lake; four grandchildren: Jennifer Doerfler, Jason Doerfler, Heather Doerfler and Frank Doerfler; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. She is also survived by her sister Sharon Hagen and brothers Alan "Chick" Hagen and John Hagen.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Doerfler; son, Douglas Doerfler; her parents, Nora and Henry Hagen; and two brothers, Richard Hagen and Harland Hagen.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 2:00 pm with visitation one hour prior on Monday, January 4, 2016, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. Interment was at St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.