I taught in Adrian with Ben. I came in 1968. I taught 6th grade and Ben had 3rd grade. Later I taught 4-6 Math and other subjects before getting certified in Spec. Ed. Ben was the person who kept things light and moving when people got down. It was a pleasure to teach with her. My condolences to Jill & Karn at your loss. May she rest in Peace.
Bernette M. Helling
April 22, 1933 – December 17, 2021
Memorial Services will be 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville for Bernette Maxine “Ben” Helling, age 88, of Paynesville. Ben passed away December 17, 2021 at the Paynesville Health Care Center. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home on Wednesday.
Bernette was born April 22, 1933 to Ben and Agnes (Atzl) Bauman in Paynesville, MN. She graduated from Paynesville High School and St. Cloud Teachers College. Bernette retired in 1990 after teaching 39 years in Luverne and Adrian, MN.
She married Howard Helling on October 9, 1955. They shared their lives in Luverne, Battle Lake and Paynesville.
Bernette enjoyed spending her time with her family (especially at their lake home). She enjoyed reading, playing cards and coffeeing with her friends. She spent time taking friends on their errands, etc.
Bernette is survived by her two daughters, Jill Meents of Minneapolis and Karn (John) Fleming of Bloomington; 2 grandchildren; Cash Rodamaker, Kacy Rodamaker; 6 step-grandchildren; Matt (Amanda) Meents, Claudia Boot, Jake Fleming (Matt Hiltner), Emily (Chuck) Unhjem, Hanna (Shane) Murphy and Ellen Fleming and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Howard in 2004, brother Leo Bauman and sister Delores Stickney.
Guestbook
I had Mrs. Helling as a teacher, I have such fond memories. She touched so many lives, what a beautiful life. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
When I first started teaching Ben made large posters for my classroom bulletin board and gave me much needed advice. When I came back to Luverne to visit it was always special to go visit her and Howard. Janice and Vernon were fortunate to have such great friends in Luverne. Thinking of you and your family.
In memory of Ben and Howie who were part of a generation that gave much and asked little. Best to Jill, Karn and family
Oh Ben…We will miss your kindness and spunk. You were one of the first people to welcome our moms when they moved to Stearns Place. You were there for their happy times and some sad times too. We appreciate your friendship. May your family find comfort in knowing you were oh so loved by many. Rest in peace dear lady.
Ben (& Howie) were the best neighbors ever! Always there for people, caring, considerate, thoughtful! She had a large group of friends from here and Luverne/Adrian and always kept in touch with them. A very classy lady!
Enjoy your just reward Ben, living in the prensence of our Lord and God!
Services
Visitation
Daniel Anderson Funeral Home, PaynesvilleSchedule Details
Memorial Services will be 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at the Daniel-Anderson Funeral Home in Paynesville, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home on Wednesday.