Helen M. Wenande, age 90, of Alexandria, SD died Friday March 12, 2010 at United Retirement Center, Brookings, SD. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Tuesday at St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Church in Alexandria, SD with burial at St. Mary of Mercy Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday at St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Church with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM. Arrangements are under the direction of the Will Funeral Chapel, Mitchell, SD.

Helen M. Huber, daughter of Fred and Margaret (Hoeltzner) Huber, was born in Fairview Township, Rural Fulton, SD. She moved to a farm near Alexandria at the age of six. Helen attended country school and graduated from Alexander High School.

Helen was united in marriage with Francis Bud Wenande on May 5, 1941 in Alexandria. The couple lived on farms near Alexandria until moving into Alexandria in 1960. Helen was employed 12 years at the grocery store and 29 years as Deputy County Auditor for Hanson County, retiring on May 1, 2003 at the age of 82. In 2007, she moved to Brookings to be closer to her family.

She was a member of St. Mary of Mercy Catholic Church and the Sacred Heart League. Helen enjoyed crocheting, ceramics and was a sports fan. She loved spending time with her family especially at Christmas time.

Grateful for having shared her life are her son, Rick (Peg) Wenande, Brookings, SD; a daughter-in-law, Kay Wenande, Brookings, SD; a sister, Mildred (Jim) Wenande, Alexandria, SD; five grandchildren, Monica (Brian) Cooper, Brookings, SD, Cindy (Eric) Eliason, Chaska, MN, Brad (Nancy) Wenande, Yankton, SD, Steve (Jen) Wenande, Longmont, CO, Julie (Pat) McLaughlin, Frederick, CO; nine great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Catherine (Scott) Huber, Fern Huber; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis Bud Wenande; a son, Ron Wenande; her parents; five brothers, Edward, Raymond, Donald, Lawrence and Robert.