Helen Nowak, 97, of Webster, died Monday, July 8, at Bethesda Home, Webster.

Helen Hedwig Breske began her life on October 17, 1921 on the family homestead north of Grenville, SD.  She was the fifth child born to Leo F. and Anna (Lesnar) Breske. Helen loved life on the farm and much of it was during the Great Depression.

She was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Grenville where she also attended grade school and graduated from high school in 1940.  Helen was united in marriage to Anton C. Nowak on July 23, 1951. They made their home in Grenville and were blessed with three children - Joanita, Janel and Thomas.

Helen held various jobs throughout her lifetime which included being a sub-postmistress for the Grenville Post Office and managing the Grenville Municipal Liquor Store.  She worked at Bains Restaurant and Upton Meats in Webster and later managed The Golden Hour Bar and Lounge in Grenville.  Helen retired from Bethesda Nursing Home in Webster after working 25 years as the Activities Coordinator.

Helen was an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. She served on the council, altar society, the centennial book committee and shared her love of music by singing in the choir for many years.  Helen  was a member of Sacred Heart Society and Women Catholic Order of Foresters.  She was also a council woman and local historian for the town of Grenville.

Helen was recently recognized for her 71 years of membership in the Grenville American Legion Auxiliary Post 267.  She held the office of Treasurer when it was first organized in 1948 and later served as President and Secretary.

Helen loved singing, dancing and watching sports - especially her favorite team, the Minnesota Twins.  However, the highlight of her days was spending time with her family, her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include her children, Joanita (Colin) Johnson of Webster, SD, Janel (Ken) Rohde of Rosholt, SD and Tom (Myra) Nowak of Casselton, ND;  10 grandchildren, Russell Johnson, Corey Johnson, Christopher Johnson, Sarah Wilhelm, Briana Johnson, Ember Rohde, Troy Rohde, Scott Nowak, Michael Nowak and  Nathan Nowak; 17 great grandchildren and sister-in-law Hedy Breske.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Anna Breske; her husband Anton C. Nowak, her sister Clara (Al) Duchene, brother Leo (Philimena) Breske,  brother James Breske, sister MaryAnn (Nick) Orrico, sister Agnes (Roman) Rumpza, and brother Ben (Loretta) Breske.

Arrangements have been entrusted with Coester Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Webster.