Helen Simon, age 95, of Mahnomen, MN, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 24, 2017, at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.

Helen Ann, the daughter of Herbert and Ida (Perboom) Van Kempen, the was born on June 1, 1922 in Morris, MN. She spent her childhood in Morris where she attended and graduated from High School. On September 30, 1942, Helen was united in marriage to Elmer "Curly" Simon in Morris. The couple made their home together in Mahnomen and were blessed with four children. Their son, Edward, struggled with his health and passed away as a young boy, which left an ache in Helen's heart forever. As a busy mom, Helen also worked as a receptionist for the Mahnomen County Human Services office for most of her career. During her retirement, Helen spent her time working at the Red Apple Café in Mahnomen. Running the till at the front counter in the café, gave her the opportunity to visit with friends and stay connected to the community until well into her 80's. Although she struggled with constant pain, Helen always stayed busy. She loved to bake and was well known for her pies. Helen made a pie or two nearly every day, giving all of them away. She enjoyed visiting and would often send pies home with friends who stopped over to chat. Known to all was Helen's frank personality, which became a treasured and appreciated trait to those who loved her. Even while being a bit stubborn, Helen wasn't afraid to show her feelings and was always there to help her children and grandchildren. Helen was a devote Catholic and was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen. Elmer died suddenly in 1987, but Helen remained in Mahnomen until moving to Alexandria, MN, for a few years in the mid 2000's. Helen then returned to Mahnomen and lived in her own home until two months ago, at which time she moved into the Mahnomen Health Center to help with her mobility. Although she joked about living to 100, Helen passed away peacefully at the age of 95.

Helen is survived by three children, Gerald "Jerry" (Connie) Simon of Bemidji, MN, James "Jim" (Joan) Simon of Waubun; and Susan Marthaler, of Minneapolis, MN; one sister, Theresa "Girly" Larsen of Idaho Falls, ID; seven grandchildren: Jesse, Shawn, Kelly, Andy, Brian, Lance, Tyler; and 11 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer; her son, Edward; her parents and 13 siblings.

A private family graveside service will be held at St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery in Waubun, MN, at a later date.