Helen Rieniets Obituary

The recorded funeral link: https://youtu.be/HpcPYvDY9c4
Helen Rieniets, aged 90, of Bismarck, ND, and formerly of Drake, died on Friday, October 18, 2024, at her daughter's rural Bismarck home. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Drake, ND, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service at the church.
Helen was born October 22, 1933, in Drake, North Dakota to Adam and Katherine (Jans) Uhlich. She was baptized at St. Peter's Lutheran Church south of Drake and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Drake. Helen attended rural school until the age of ten. Upon moving to Drake, she finished her schooling and graduated from Drake High School in 1951. While in high school, she worked at the Empress Café, Morris Café and Schafer's Hi Lo Store. Helen graduated from Minot State Business College. While attending college she was employed at Minot Federal Savings and Loan and did typing for a law firm.
Helen and Melvin Rieniets were united in marriage at Towner on April 30th, 1952 and made their home in Drake. During their marriage, they had three children, with Deb being born in 1953. Henry and Bill coming to them in the Spring of 1969, a year with a monumental snowstorm and such joy and excitement in all their hearts. Besides being a mom, Helen was employed at the JCPenney Store, and was a bookkeeper for the Drake Creamery. She worked at First National Bank in Drake where she was employed for 25 years. Helen, along with Melvin, owned and operated the Jack and Jill store in Drake for 20 years. In 1987, they became co-owners and managed the Family Food Center in Glen Ullin for six years. Helen and Mel spent a lot of time together cutting out and painting wood crafts. After selling the Family Food Center, Helen went to work at the Marion Manor Nursing Home as a CNA, which was a job she thoroughly enjoyed. The residents and coworkers there were like family to her.
In 1996, they moved back to Drake and Helen was employed as a CNA at the St. Aloisius Nursing Home in Harvey. It was a joy and privilege for them to have their grandson, Travis, reside with them for several years until he moved to California. Helen continued her CNA work until Mel had a debilitating stroke. Caregiving was Helen's gift, which was rewarding for her and those she assisted. Because of Helen's work experience she was able to provide care for Mel in their home.
Helen was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and served as a trustee and recording secretary. She taught Sunday school and was a member of the Women's Circle and quilting group. Helen was a proud member of the Legion Auxiliary.
After staying with her daughter Deb and son-in-law Larry though several winters, Helen came to live permanently with them in Bismarck in 2019 until her passing at their home on October 18, 2024. She had enjoyed painting as a past time with Deb, playing cards, sitting outside and most of all visiting with friends and family in person or by phone. Her church family was so important to her as well as her coffee hour group. Memories she cherished will never be forgotten as she always shared her love for her friends and family.
Survivors: one daughter Deborah (Larry) Ziegler, Bismarck. two sons: Henry (Laurie) Rieniets, Tioga. William Rieniets (special friend, Mary Kennedy and daughter, Rosie), Benedict. 8 grandchildren: Shannon Blotske, Trent Ziegler, Travis Rieniets, Justin (Laura) Rieniets, Brett (Heather) Rieniets, Matthew (Julia) Rieniets, Jacob (Tori) Rieniets, Matthew Rieniets; 13 great-grandchildren, Carter (Breanna) Ziegler, Peyton Ziegler, Ethan and Camden Blotske, Shay and Axel Rieniets, Baylee Rieniets, Clayton, and Reed. Thor, Phoebe, and Amelia Rieniets. Watson Rieniets. 1 Great-great-granddaughter, Mia Ziegler. Her nieces, nephews, and cousins were special to her.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents; six brothers John, Arthur, Albert, Daniel, Jacob, and David; four sisters: Eva Grosz, Marie Michelson, Esther Everson, and baby Tillie. Her husband Melvin also preceded her in death.
Bearers: Helen's God-sons, Brett Lund, Jay Thorp, and Great grandsons, Carter Ziegler, Ethan Blotske, Peyton Ziegler, and Camden Blotske.
Honorary Bearers: Delmer Uhlich, Larry Clark, Tom Weninger, and the Jack-and-Jill Carry-out crew.
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