Helen Kurtenbach, age 82 of Mitchell, died on Monday, October 18, 2010 at the Firesteel Healthcare Center. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Friday, October 22 at the First United Methodist Church with burial in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 PM Thursday at the church with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Will Funeral Chapel.

Helen June (Kitto) Kurtenbach was born February 11, 1928, in Fulton, SD to Flossie McCune and John Lester Kitto. She spent her formative years growing up on the family farm and schooled in the Fulton area. In her youth she was a member of 4-H and raised Hereford steers.

Helen (Kitto) married Robert Eugene Kurtenbach on September 29, 1949. To this union were born 9 children: Ardis, Beverly, Carolynn, Donna, Roberta, Barbara, Kevin, Kalvin and Julie.

She worked at Truck Haven for several years as a cook; she also provided daycare in he home. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She helped raise her grandchildren.

Helens hobbies included crocheting, embroidery, sewing and baking for her family; she enjoyed playing cards and bingo. She also had a passion for baseball and was a loyal Cubs fan. Helen had a rich life with many family and friends always by her side.

She is survived by her children: Ardis (Gary) Breidenbach of Eagle Butte, SD; Beverly Schmitz of Rockford, IL; Carolynn Dockendorf of Emery, SD; Donna (Dale) King of S. Beloit, IL; Barbara (Mike) Svensen of Casper, WY; Kevin (Betty) Kurtenbach, Kalvin Kurtenbach and Julie (Dennis) Kobernusz all of Mitchell, SD; sisters, Arlene White of Cheyenne, WY and Wyaneeta (Bob) Brown of Aurora, CO. She was blessed with 25 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her two brothers Clyde and Alvin Kitto, a sister, Bessie Charles, a daughter Roberta, a granddaughter Tammy Leitheiser and son-in-law Leon Dockendorf.