Biography

Helen R. Neppel age 90 formerly of East Grand Forks, MN passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2010 at Valley Eldercare in Grand Forks, ND.
Helen Rosalie Soutor was born on December 27, 1919 in Grafton, ND the daughter of Ignatius and Julia (Kouba) Soutor. Helen grew up and attended school in Grafton, ND. While a High School student she played the piano and trombone in a small band with her brother Dan and enjoyed playing at small town events in and around Grafton. Following High School graduation she attended The Sisters of St. Joseph School of Nursing in Fargo, ND at St. John’s Hospital, graduating as a Registered Nurse. On November 19, 1941 she was united in marriage to Gerald J. Neppel in Grafton, ND. Helen worked at the Grand Forks Clinic and the Good Samaritan Nursing home in East Grand Forks, MN as floor nurse and later as Director of Nurses. Following a brief retirement Helen was recruited to work part time at Valley Memorial Home Almonte in Grand Forks, ND as a Staff Nurse. Helen was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary of East Grand Forks, MN.
Helen was an avid sports fan especially of the Sacred Heart High School and later the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux Football Team.
Family members that survive Helen include her sons: Daniel (Susie) Neppel of Tulare, CA, Dale (Judy) Neppel of East Grand Forks, MN, James (Ruth) Neppel of St. Cloud, MN, Jay (Jenny) Neppel of Littelton, CO; eight grandchildren; Kathy DeFede, Melissa Neppel, Danielle Briggs, Zachary Neppel, Chad Neppel, Alex Neppl, Julia Neppel, and Joshua Neppel, 4 great-grandchildren: Maelynn and Bryna DeFede, and Brooklyn and Briar Briggs.
Helen is preceded in death by her parents; husband: Gerald on July 6, 2006; son: John Neppel on January 23, 2005 and one brother Daniel Soutor.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Gerald J. and Helen R. Neppel Endowment at Sacred Heart School of East Grand Forks, MN

Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 13, 2010 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 200 3rd St. NW, East Grand Forks, MN

Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 with a 6:30 PM Prayer Service on Friday, February 12, 2010 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Burial: Resurrection Cemetery ~ East Grand Forks, MN

Funeral Service

Saturday February 13, 2010, 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Click for Map and Directions

Visitation

Friday February 12, 2010, 5:00 ~ 7:00 - 6:30 Prayers at Sacred Heart Catholic Church
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Burial

Resurrection Cemetery
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