Helena (Breems) Swierenga

Helena Swierenga, age 102, of Willmar and formerly of Prinsburg, passed away Wednesday, February 11, at Bethesda Grand in Willmar.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by her funeral service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, at First Christian Reformed Church in Prinsburg.  Interment will be at Holland Township Cemetery.  Arrangements are with the Tri-County Funeral Home.  www.tricountyfuneral.com

Helena Swierenga was born on April 19, 1923, on a farm near Prinsburg in Rheiderland Township, Chippewa County, Minnesota, the daughter of Garrit and Annie (Ledeboer) Breems.  She grew up in the Prinsburg area and received her education in a country school.  On April 2, 1947, Helena was united in marriage to Edward Swierenga, and they made their home in Prinsburg (living in the same home for over 72 years).  During WW II, while Edward served overseas, she worked in an airplane manufacturing plant in Michigan.  Following the war, she worked as a telephone operator at the Prinsburg Phone Company and as a cook at CMCS.  She was a life member of First CRC and was active in mission club and women’s circle.  She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, fishing, and entertaining her family and friends.

She is survived by her five children, Douglas (and Gwen) Swierenga of Prinsburg, Mary (and Leroy) Hinther of Blomkest, Nora Smith (and friend, Richard Brzinski) of Inver Grove Heights, Stan (and Cindy) Swierenga of Redwood Falls and Tim (and Mindy) Swierenga of Svea; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-nine great grandchildren and nineteen great great grandchildren.  Also surviving is one brother, Henry (and Donna) Breems of New Brighton and a sister-in-law, Dorothy Breems of Willmar, besides other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward in 1999; daughter-in-law, Mary Kay Swierenga; son-in-law, Jay Smith; great grandson, Carter Swierenga; one sister, Theresa Frikke and three brothers, Gordon Breems, Martin Breems, and Harvey Breems.

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