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Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at 10:30 AM (Mountain).

Presbyterian Church
Kadoka, South Dakota

Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota
5-7 p.m. Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Presbyterian Church
Kadoka, South Dakota



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In memory of

Hellen Uhlir

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at the Kadoka Nursing Home at the age of 88

Hellen Uhlir was given her angel wings as she passed away peacefully on Saturday November 4th 2017, at the Kadoka Care Center where she had resided for two years due to failing health. During this time, she graciously and kindly touched the lives of many staff and residents there.

Hellen Louise (McCaskell) Uhlir was born May 18, 1929, in DeSmet, South Dakota, the only daughter of James and Francis (Shearer) McCaskell. At the age of six she moved with her parents to Kadoka, where she grew up and received her education, graduating from Kadoka High School in 1947 and later from Black Hills State University with a major in English.

Hellen married the love of her life Vernon Uhlir on June 18, 1950, and they were blessed with the birth of their three children, Pam, Laurie and Greg. While Vern was in the service, Hellen stayed in Kadoka and helped her dad with the Silver Court cabins. Hellen then joined Vernon in Biloxi, Mississippi, where they lived until Vernon's discharge from the service in 1953. They lived one year in Newcastle, Wyoming where Vern taught school and then returned to Kadoka to help run the family businesses of Silver Court and the H& H Cafe.

Hellen was very active in the community, serving on the Kadoka school board, the Legion Auxiliary, Kadoka Community Betterment Association, and Kadoka Presbyterian Church. She also was a member of the South Dakota Restaurant Association, on which she served as president, and was very proud of winning the Restaurant of the Year "Golden Plate."

During her 20 plus years of involvement in managing the H&H Cafe, she taught many people the art of customer service and the value of personal relationships and of serving and helping others. Hellen always saw the best in life and never complained even when she had to enter the nursing home in 2015. Her family's nickname for her was Aunt Bee as she was always caring for others. Meeting and visiting with people was one of her greatest joys as was watching her grandchildren in their sporting and school events. She also enjoyed reading, watching Jeopardy, and checking out the tourist status in town.

Grateful for sharing her life are her husband of 67 years Vernon Uhlir of Kadoka; three children: Pam Bonenberger and her husband Keith of Kadoka; Laurie Pettyjohn and her husband Ted of Rapid City; and Greg Uhlir and his wife Lisa of Sioux Falls; five grandchildren: Jason (Sarah) Pettyjohn of Rapid City, Jared (Katie) Pettyjohn of Denver, Alisha (Brandon) Lockhart of Mitchell, Brett (Nikki) Bonenberger of Belvidere, and Kade (Kala) Bonenberger of Kadoka; eight great-grandchildren: Wyatt and Morgan Pettyjohn, Makaylan, McCoy, and McKey Bonenberger, Joslin Sommerville, Brice Lockhart, and Berkley Bonenberger; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Hellen was preceded in death by her parents, six brother-in-laws, and several uncles and aunts.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka.

A celebration of life service will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 8, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka.

Interment will be at the Kadoka Cemetery.

A memorial has been established to the Kadoka Nursing Home and the new Kadoka Gym.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 77, Kadoka, SD 57543.

VISITATION
5-7 p.m.
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Presbyterian Church
Kadoka, South Dakota

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE
Wednesday, November 8, 2017 - 10:30 a.m.
Presbyterian Church
Kadoka, South Dakota

OFFICIATING
Pastor Gary McCubbin

MUSIC
Ruth McCubbin - Pianist
Dave Ohrtman - Vocalist
“Amazing Grace”
“On Eagles Wings”
“Wind Beneath My Wings”

USHERS
Larry Miller - Ken Wilmarth

PALLBEARERS
Brett Bonenberger - Kade Bonenberger
Jason Pettyjohn - Jared Pettyjohn - Alisha Lockhart

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota

  • Deepest sympathy to Vernon and family. I just found out about Hellens passing yesterday, January 26, 2018, from my cousin Bruce McDonald. I am hoping Vernon is doing okay. I am thinking CD is also at the nursing home, too. You wonder who I am so my mother was Adeline Johnson. Her mother was Fannie Zerzanek Stritesky. Fannie and Louise were sisters, making my mom a first cousin to Vernon and Clarence Dale. The last time I saw Vernon and Hellen was maybe 6-7 years ago while my wife Kathy and I were traveling to a meeting at Elsworth AFB. ~ Victor Johnson Racine, Wisconsin (1/28/2018)
  • We are so sorry to hear of Hellen's passing. She was such a wonderful person, and so very good to work for. Sharon and I both worked at the H&H in the early 60's. May God comfort you and you will be in our prayers.
    Ella Rock, Sharon Vaughan, Pam Fairchild     ~ Pam Fairchild 12176 US Hwy 14A (11/9/2017)
  • Vernon, Pam, Lauri and Greg, So sorry to hear of Hellen's passing, she was truly a beautiful lady. Another Angel in Heaven. She will be missed by so many. ~ Betty Lou Stratton Pierre, SD (11/9/2017)
  • Hellen was such a sweet lady, who always had a smile and a kind word for everyone she encountered. Her family is in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Mae & Merti Whirlwind Horse Interior, SD (11/8/2017)
  • I am so sorry for your loss. Hellen was an amazing woman. Prayers to you. ~ Kathy Larson LaDue Anamosa, IA (11/7/2017)
  • Merlin and I always loved seeing Vern and Helen when they would stop at Wall Drug for a donut on their way to Rapid City. I always loved visiting with them at school events as they followed their grandchildren. Truly the best people. ~ Mary Jane Doye Wall, SD (11/6/2017)
  • Helen was such a gem, so grateful for the monitoring. She taught many youth how to work hard. ~ Deb whipple Baltic (11/6/2017)
  • So Sorry to hear of Helen's passing. She was always smiling and was such a sweet lady. Prayers to her family. ~ Ellie "Brown" Bettelyoun Rushville, Neb (11/6/2017)
  • Hellen had the most beautiful smile and personality. She was a mentor to me in my teen years at the cafe. I'm very grateful for being able to learn customer service from one of the best. Shanee was privileged to get to know her this summer at the KNH. Heaven gained a precious angel. Prayers to Vernon and the family. ~ Janelle Madsen Popwell Wellington, TX (11/5/2017)
  • So sorry for your loss. Hellen was a wonderful lady- always kind. ~ Eileen Stolley Kadoka (11/5/2017)