Obituary: Helen Zinnel

Helen Gertrude (Ruckelshausen) Zinnel, 104, 7 months, 5 days, of Brewster, died October 6, 2012, at Maple Lawn Nursing Home in Fulda.

Helen, the daughter of Adam & Mary (Gilomen) Ruckelshausen, was born February 16, 1908, on a farm near Brewster, MN. She was baptized on May 15, 1908, and confirmed on May 28, 1922, at Trinity Lutheran Church of Brewster.

Helen received her education through the eighth grade at the Gilomen Country School, District 46 which has been moved to the Worthington Pioneer Village.

She did domestic work for families with new babies and 2½ years at Dolches Bakery in Worthington.

Helen was united in marriage to Harold Raymond Zinnel on October 4, 1933, at Trinity Lutheran Church of Brewster. They farmed for many years near Round Lake, Kinbrae, and Brewster. She was a very active church member of Trinity, the Ladies Aid, L.W.M.L., and a special sewing group that made diapers, blankets, & clothing for Lutheran Children's Friend Society for children that were to be adopted by loving Christian families.

For 12 years Harold & Helen went to Florida for the cold winter months. After Harold went to his Heavenly home in January 1973 she wintered in Texas for 33 years. Family and friends helped her celebrate her 100th birthday in Texas.

Helen loved to travel. She went on 12 bus tours to see these beautiful United States, Canada, and Alaska. Many summers were spent camping with her families. She moved to Maple Lawn Apartments in Fulda the fall of 2009 and then the last two years in the nursing home.

Helen loved to sew, play cards, knit, crochet, do crafts and word find books. Her children and grandchildren have many of her cherished items to remember her by.

Grateful for having shared her life are her three children: Eileen (Zinnel) Johnson, Pipestone; Wayne (Judy) Zinnel, Brewster; Eugene (Rita) Zinnel, Brewster; eight grandchildren: Marsha (Brent) Baker, Gail (Doug) Schleusner, Kelly (Maryann) Zinnel, Kerry (friend Trish) Zinnel, Todd Zinnel, Chad (Mary Ann) Zinnel, Natalie Zinnel and Joel Zinnel; seven great-grandchildren: Samantha (Ben) Middagh, Miranda Schleusner, Danielle Zinnel, Ryan Schleusner, Matthew Zinnel, Rachel Zinnel, and Kraig Zinnel; one great-great-grandson: Taten Zinnel; one brother, Albert Ruckelshausen, Worthington; one sister-in-law, Edith Zandstra, Worthington and many nieces and nephews.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harold, her parents, Adam & Mary Ruckelshausen, a brother, Carl Ruckelshausen, a sister, Louise Cork, a son-in-law, Jerald Johnson, and a great-grandson, Caleb Zinnel.

The service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 9, 2012, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Brewster, with the Rev. David McDonald officiating. Burial will be in Memory Gardens Cemetery in Worthington.

Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 9, 2012, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brewster.

Benson Funeral Home in Worthington is in charge of the arrangements.

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