Helen Wang

Helen Wang, 97, long time resident of Oslo, MN, passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2017, in Goldpine Home, Bemidji, MN.

Helen Dorothy Cizl was born on January 9, 1920, to Frank and Mildred (Michalek) in East Grand Forks, MN. Her mother died when she was 18 months old, and Helen was then raised by her mother's sister, Julia (Bill) McAnnaney, moving to Oslo in 1926. On March 19, 1942, Helen was united in marriage to John Wang. They would be blessed with three sons, Tim, Tom, and Terry. Helen would stay home with the boys and later waitressed at the Home Cafe.

She was very invested in her community, being an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, the Royal Neighbors of America (for 75 years), the Oslo American Legion Auxiliary, and was the Oslo news correspondent for the Warren Sheaf newspaper for 40 years. She enjoyed baking buns and selling them, making pizzels, cross-stitching, and quilting. She loved to play cards, including Poker and Whist, and enjoyed playing Bingo.

In January 2002, Helen moved to Bemidji to recover from surgery, staying five months with Tim and Mary. She then moved into Baker Park Apartments Assisted Living, Havenwood Care Center, and finally Goldpine Home; with her daughter-in-law, Mary, as her caretaker for 15 years. For most of her time in Bemidji, Helen was a Hospice volunteer, writing birthday cards to volunteer members for nearly 12 years. Helen enjoyed visits with friends old and new, and loved to see her family, especially her great-granddaughters. She was lucky to keep her smile and wits up until the end, and even lived on her own (and managed her own checkbook) until the age of 97.

She is survived by her sons, Tim (Mary) Wang of Bemidji, Tom (Lois) Wang, and Terry (Melody) Wang both of Thief River Falls; grandchildren, Jackie (Colby) Gallagher, Kendra (fiance, Trevor Lambert) Fuller, Andy, Alexa, Eric (Melissa) and Tanner Wang, and Ryan Wang; great-grandchildren, Kenley, Kayden, Brynna, and Adley; and special friend, Carla Erickson.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; maternal aunt and uncle; husband, John; granddaughter, Bethany; sister Mary Parkin; and brother, Frank “Bud” Cizl Jr.

Funeral Service: Monday, August 14, 2017, at 10:30 AM, in Zion Lutheran Church, Oslo.
Visitation: Sunday, August 13, from 5:00 PM, with a Prayer Service at 6:30 PM, in the Church.
Interment: Bigwoods Lutheran Cemetery, Rural Oslo, MN.

Memorial Service: Wednesday, August 16, at 3:00 PM, in Baker Park Apartments, Bemidji, MN.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Zion Lutheran Church or Bigwoods Lutheran Cemetery.

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