Helen "Peggy" Brakke, 99, of Flandreau, SD passed away April 29, 2022, at Riverview Healthcare Center, Flandreau. Helen was born December 24, 1922, on a farm in Moody County, SD to Chris and Agnes (Suhl) Hammer. She attended rural schools and one year of high school. Helen married Arthur Hagedorn May 29, 1943. She worked in cafes and grocery stores in Flandreau and Mitchell, SD. Helen married Theodore Brakke January 28, 1959, at Flandreau. Ted and Helen farmed in Moody and Brookings County. They purchased the St. Vincent Hotel in Flandreau in 1969. In 1977 they sold the hotel, but Helen stayed on as manager for several more years. Helen was a member and the recorder for Royal Neighbors of America.

Helen is survived by two daughters, Judy Hagedorn, Flandreau; Beverly (Tom) French, Brookings, SD; daughter-in-law Lynelle Hagedorn, Brookings; three grandchildren, Stef (Jamie) Kerr, Ryan (Marcey) Hagedorn, Michael (Heather Cone) Hagedorn; seven great-grandchildren, Taylor Kerr, Dylan Kerr, Emily Hagedorn, Hailey Hagedorn, Carly Hagedorn, Fiona Cone, Norman Cone; great-great-granddaughter Ailyah Kerr; and sister Shirley (Don) Leat. Helen was preceded in death by two sons, Richard Hagedorn and James Hagedorn, her parents, and stepmother Hulda Hayes.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 am Friday, May 6, 2022, at Ss. Simon and Jude Catholic Church with burial in Union Cemetery. Visitation 5:00 – 7:00 pm Thursday with a 7:00 pm scripture service at Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau.