Joan Helten

Joan R. Helten, 71, Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2015 surrounded by her family and under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, April 24 at 11AM in St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church. A Rosary Service will be held on Thursday, April 23 at St Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church at 4:30PM, followed by Visitation from 5PM-7PM, and a Prayer Service at 7PM. Joan Rose Messmer was born October 10, 1943 in Bowman, ND to Roy and Kathryn (Steiner) Messmer. She was raised and educated in Bowman, graduating from Bowman High School with the class of 1961. Following high school, Joan attended Dickinson State College and earned her two year standard teaching degree. She accepted her first job as a 2nd Grade teacher in Beach, ND in 1963. On December 28, 1966, Joan was united in marriage to Bob Helten in St. Charles Catholic Church in Bowman. While Bob was in the Navy, from 1966 to 1973, the Heltens resided in Pensacola, FL and San Diego, CA. During this time, they welcomed their daughter Jennifer, and two years later a son they named Paul. They returned to North Dakota in 1973 and, for a short time, lived in Grand Forks, ND until moving to Bismarck in 1975. Joan started substitute teaching at St. Anne's Elementary School, all the while balancing being a wife and a mother and pursuing her bachelor of education degree at the University of Mary. After completing her studies, Joan graduated with honors and accepted a full time position with St. Anne's Elementary School. She taught 5th and 6th Grade until she retired in 2002. In 2004, Joan and Bob moved to their lake home on Lake Eunice near Detroit Lakes. She loved having her family visit and stay for long weekends, especially her seven grandchildren. Many memories were made during family gatherings, and all will be cherished for a lifetime. Joan carried many talents. During her younger years she was a standout high school pitcher for her softball team and was also a gifted musician, playing bass clarinet in both high school and college. Joan was especially proud of being able to sing with two of her older sisters, Betty and Ann, when she was yet in the eighth grade. This trio won a local talent competition and was rewarded with an all expense paid trip to Denver, CO, to compete at a higher level. Joan and Bob enjoyed traveling. During the winter months they always looked forward to spending their time together in Florida and Alabama. Their trips to Paris and St. Thomas, Virgin Islands were two memorable trips they thoroughly enjoyed. Joan was a teacher at heart, but it was her dedication as a wife, mother and grandmother that created not only a role model, but a lasting legacy for her family that will forever be remembered and missed. Joan is survived by her husband of 48 years, Bob of Detroit Lakes, daughter: Jennifer (Troy) Hischer of West Fargo, son: Paul (Julie) Helten of Bismarck and her seven adored grandchildren: Katie College, Drew Helten, Mason Hischer, Abby College, Dylan Helten, Madison Hischer and Daxton Helten. In addition, she is survived by two sisters: Betty Zacher of Custer, SD, Ann (Skip) Walby of Bowman, ND, two brothers: Jim Messmer of Bowman and Bill (Jennifer) Messmer of Woodstock, IL along with sisters/brothers-in-law: Mary Sue (Allen) Griggs of Cedar City, UT, Judy (Dick) Niebauer of Fargo, Pat (Dan) Frison of Boise, ID, Karen (Paul) Gebhard of Rapid City, SD and Jim (Sue) Helten of West Fargo. She is preceded in death by her parents, three sisters: Irene Lampl and Geraldine and Kathleen Messmer; her brother Leroy Messmer, and two brothers-in-law: Roy Lampl and Red Zacher.



Funeral Home: David Donehower Funeral Home 609 Hwy 10 East Detroit Lakes, MN US 56501

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Previous Events

Visitation
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Service
Friday, April 24, 2015

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