Helen Szepelak

Helen O. Szepelak, 89, of Grand Forks, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at Valley Eldercare 500 Unit in Grand Forks. Helen was born on November 27, 1918, to Tony & Anna Szepelak in Joliet, IL. Her family moved to Thompson, ND, and began the Szepelak family farm where they raised wheat, corn, grain and cattle. After Helen graduated from Thompson High School, she moved to Grand Forks and attended Union Commercial Business School. She rented an apartment downtown and spent more than 50 years in the downtown neighborhood. In 1939, Helen began working as a secretary-bookkeeper for E.J. Lander, and his son, Miles, at E.J. Lander Company, a family business founded by E.J. Lander during the 1850's. Helen eventually worked for 4 generations of the Lander family. In 1997, at the age of 80, Helen suffered a stroke and had to finally retire after working for E.J. Lander Company for over 55 years. Shortly after her stroke, the flood of 1997 struck the city of Grand Forks and the entire town had to be evacuated. Helen was transported to a nursing home in Forman, ND, for four months until she could return to Grand Forks. She has lived at Valley Eldercare 500 Unit since November of 2006. Helen is survived by her brother, Louis Szepelak of Grand Forks; sister, Josephine Fetter of Fargo, ND; niece, Rosalie (David) Harmon of Fargo; great-nieces Heidi Harmon and Theresa Harmon of Minneapolis, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Edward and John. **Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be sent to: Helen O. Szepelak Endowment c/o UND Foundation 3100 University Ave. STOP 8157 Grand Forks, ND 58202-8157, Altru Hospice 1380 S. Columbia Rd. Grand Forks, ND 58201, or Circle of Friends Humane Society 4375 N. Washington St. Grand Forks, ND 58203. At Helen's request, no services will be held at this time. Helen's body will be donated to the University of North Dakota Medical School.