Helen Larsen

Helen Larsen, age 95, of Milbank, South Dakota, died on September 18, 2018, at St. William's Care Center in Milbank.

Funeral services for Helen Larsen will be Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at American Lutheran Church in Milbank with Rev. Justin Neugebauer officiating.  Visitation will take place Monday, September 24, 2018 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home and continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Casket bearers will be:  American Legion Birch-Miller Post #9.

Military honors will be provided by: VFW, Grant County Post #3468; V.V.A., NE South Dakota Chapter #1054; American Legion, Birch-Miller Post #9; and DAV, Chapter #19.

Helen Mae Bue was born to Henry “Hank” and Anna (Hadl) Bue on September 11, 1923.  She was raised in Milbank and attended Milbank High School, where she graduated.  After high school she entered the Marine Corp Air Station Women’s Reserve and earned the rank of Private First Class.  She worked as an aircraft mechanic at El Toro Marine Air Base in Tustin, CA.  While in the service, she had the opportunity to live in Hawthorne, CA; Engelwood, CA; and Redando, CA, before moving back to the Milbank area.

Helen was very proud of her service to the United States.  In Milbank, Helen was employed at Red Owl, and then, the ASCS office for 22 years.

Helen married Frank D. Drobeck.  From this union three sons were born: Ronald “Ron”, Steve, and Mike.  She later married Emil LeRoy “Roy” Larsen.

After her retirement, Helen volunteered at the thrift store in Milbank.  She was an active member of the Legion Auxiliary and American Legion.  Helen loved sports, including baseball, bowling, golf, and ice skating.  Helen was a member of American Lutheran Church.

Helen’s life was full of excitement and many great memories.  She was not only proud of her time in the service, but a certified clown, and loving mother.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons: Ron (Kathryn) Drobeck of Tucson, AZ, and Mike Drobeck of Marietta, MN; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Helen in death were her parents: Hank and Anna; first husband, Frank D. Drobeck; second husband, Emil LeRoy “Roy” Larsen; brothers: Lyle Bue, Julian Bue, and Bill Bue; sisters: Juanita Bue and Adeline Wenzel; and son, Steve Drobeck.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorials be directed to the Milbank Veteran’s Memorial or the Milbank Cancer Walk.