June E. Helenske

"Who dares to teach must never cease to learn"

**PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FUNERAL SERVICE TIME HAS CHANGED TO 1:00PM, SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 2013.**

June Helenske, 90, died January 17, 2013 at Elim Care Center, Fargo, ND. She lived her life with strength, courage, grace, and a dash of humor. June touched many lives through her career in education and also by just being a friend.

June was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1922 in Burnstad, ND to Walter and Dagny Arntz. Following high school, she attended Bismarck Junior College, earning her Associate Degree and completed her English Degree at North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND.

On Valentine's Day, 1947, she married Richard (Dick) Helenske. Dick and June had three children together; Craig, Mary Kay Klabo, and Steve.

June taught school for 36 years, and left a legacy through her students. She taught in Thompson, Hazen, Washburn, and Wahpeton, ND. June and Dick moved to Bismarck in the 50's and she continued her teaching career at Bismarck Junior College and Capital Commercial College before going to Bismarck High School for twenty years to challenge the seniors. June was passionate about her students. She demanded much from them, but was always there for them if they fell short.

June retired in 1984 from teaching English at Bismarck High School and for the next 20 years she followed her children's lives and nurtured her grandchildren. Her chihuahua "Snoopy" filled in as the kids grew up and left home. The grandkids found their way to every attraction that Bismarck had to offer. She was "Grammie" to her grandchildren, enjoying playing "Kings in the Corner" and making Christmas a special time for them with ham, turkey, cookies and other goodies.

June loved a classy dress and high heels whether she was teaching or going out with Dick. June traveled the US with Dick, taking time off for her roses and flower garden in the summer. Their travels included a few detours to the casinos for her to play the penny and nickel slots at Las Vegas and Prairie Knights south of Mandan. June was never far from a book, June was an avid reader. During her time at Elim Care Center, she likely read every book from the Fargo Public Library.

June is survived by her children; Craig (Llonna), Fargo ND; Mary Kay (Tom), Sharon, ND; Steve, Tulane, CA; her sister Joyce Engan, Fargo, ND; and her grandchildren Adam (Kayla), Seattle, WA; Zak, Birmingham, AL; Justin (Kristin), Champlin, MN; and Krista, Cooperstown, ND. June was blessed with two great-grandsons, Blake Klabo and Madaak Helenske.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Dick. Her Memorial Service will be held at the Elim Care Chapel in Fargo, ND at 10:30 AM, Saturday, January 26th. June will join Dick at the Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Mandan, ND, on Valentine’s Day 2013.

June was cared for by the Elim Care Center family of care givers for 6 years. They were her Angels and she became a very dear friend to each of them. Elim was her home and family. June leaves Elim with many fond memories and has a new library named in her honor.

Memorials may be sent to the Elim Care Center Memorial Fund.