Helen Ione (Messner) Brekken Aanenson, 82, of Pekin, North Dakota passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 27, 2011 with family by her side.

Helen was born on October 27, 1928 to Martin and Nettie (Hensrud) Messner.  She married Kermit Brekken on November 8, 1946 and they farmed on the east shore of Stump Lake. Following Kermit's death in 1974, Helen then married Elmer Aanenson in 1977.  Elmer passed away in 1987.

Helen is survived by her five children, Karen Borland, Kathy Girodat, Cliff (Margie) Brekken, Annette (David) Rieder, and Rosanne Brekken; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; 4 babies on the way; her special furry companion, Penny; and her siblings, Norris, John, Roger, Shirley and Deanna.  Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Ethel and Mercedes; her brothers, Jerome and Leonard; and grandchildren, Derek and Jay.

Helen loved to cook and bake, being well-known for her sought after sauerkraut and noodles, potato salad, donuts and cookies.  She enjoyed spending time on her farm, especially mowing with her riding lawnmower.  Helen sewed many quilts and worked on numerous projects, always staying busy.  She had a very big heart and was generous to others.  Many have said that if you ever needed something, Helen would be there.  She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed!

Her funeral service will be held at Sheyenne Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.  Officiating will be the Reverend Sue Mackey.  The organist will be Betty Bina and the soloist will be Sally Simonson.  The casketbearers will be Brent Borland, Ted Brekken, Lucas Rieder, Jeramy Gronaas, Lanny Klefstad, and Greg Messner.  Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  Interment will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be given to the Bergen Cemetery in loving memory of our mother.

Stanley-Iverson Funeral Home of McVille, ND is in charge of the arrangements.