Helen Clarice Welch, 85, died Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at the Riverview Manor in Flandreau. Helen was the child of three born to Harold and Alma (Skogen) Forbragd on November 18, 1925. She lived the years of her youth in Bradley, SD. Upon graduating from Bradley High School, she worked in the local bank. She married Leon Welch on March 25, 1945 at the Black Hills Ordinance Depot in Igloo, SD, upon his return from Europe during WW II. Four daughters were born to this union. The couple resided in various South Dakota communities which included the Black Hills Ordinance Depot, Raymond, Colman, Martin and Menno. After the death of her husband, Leon, on December 4, 1999, and some physical setbacks, she moved to Egan where she resided with her daughter, Charleen for the past nine years. Helen entered Riverview Manor in February 2011. Helen led a family-focused life. Even though for a period of time she worked as a clerk at Foster's Grocery in Colman, the majority of her time was devoted to tending to her family. The Welch home was the gathering place of many holidays with Helen focused on seeing that there was plenty of food and places to sleep. Many individuals over the years were welcomed into the home as part of the family. She prided herself in being a good cook…..and many can endorse that characterization. She loved to entertain as she loved her family and friends. The gatherings around her table were always memorable ones. She made the effort to keep the Norwegian traditions going with the lutefisk and lefse at holiday times, a tradition she shared with her beloved sister, Emma. The subtle curse of being such a good cook was that Leon preferred to stay home to eat her meals. Two defining characteristics that Helen possessed were that she was long on patience and perseverance. Helen enjoyed the company of many friends. As a couple, they loved to dance and joined several couples in attending dances where they would enjoy their Big Band favorites. Helen and Leon's circle of friends extended to Arizona where they wintered for 15 years. She also enjoyed golfing and playing cards. Helen was a member of the United Methodist Church in whatever community they lived. When her daughters were young, she acted as a counselor to the MYF group. She was active in the American Legion Auxiliary throughout her life and held the office of State Historian. For years, she was a counselor in Mitchell at South Dakota Girl's State. She was a member of the ESA Sorority. The family rejoices in knowing that Helen is with her Lord and Savior as she surrendered her heart to Jesus through a Billy Graham Crusade and chose to walk a life of faith in our Lord.

Helen is survived by 4 daughters, Carol (Jess) Sears, Tempe, AZ, Karen (Paul) Dobbs, Pipestone, MN, Charleen Jensen, Egan, SD, Cathy (Mike) Ebert, Rock Springs, WY; 8 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren with one on the way. She is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Leon; her parents, Harold and Alma Forbragd; sister, Emma Dela and brother, Lawrence Forbragd.

Funeral services will be Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 10:30 AM at Flandreau United Methodist Church with burial at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis. A memorial service will be Friday, September 23, 2011 at 2:00 PM at Olivet United Methodist Church, Olivet, SD.