Helen R. Klenner

Helen R. Klenner, age 91, of Rochester, MN, passed away on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, following a lengthy illness, at Seasons Hospice House in Rochester. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2017, at Saint Lukes Episcopal Church in Rochester with Reverend Ernest Ashcroft officiating. The visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church followed by the burial in Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Seasons Hospice or Mayo Clinic for cancer research. Helen Rosanna Erickson was born on December 20, 1925, in Skanee, MI. She was raised on the family farm by her Swedish immigrant parents, Erick and Elin (Newman) Erickson and had four brother and four sisters. Helen graduated fromHoughton High School and then attended Suomi (Finlandia) College. During WWII, she worked as a medical assistant. On December 21, 1946, she married Carlos F. Klenner in Houghton. Together they raised four children and enjoyed fifty-nine years of marriage until his death in 2005. Helen loved her family dearly and will be remembered for her gracious hospitality, baking, creativity and sense of adventure. Her gardens were filled with flowers and song birds. She enjoyed traveling. She was treasured by her 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Helen is survived by her sons, Michael (Kathie) Klenner of Calumet, MI and Arthur (Susan) Klenner of Rochester; daughters, Barbara (Dan) Hoffman of Orono, MN and Patricia (John) Ravits of San Diego, CA; 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Mildred (Gene) Fiedorek of Dallas, TX; many nieces and nephews. Helen was also preceded in death by her four brothers and three sisters. Arrangements are with Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester MN 55901. www.ranfranzandvinefh.com