Helen Fonnest, 94, died unexpectedly on Sunday, March 26, 2006 while visiting her daughter in Phoenix, AZ at the Phoenix Baptist Hospital.

Funeral services will be 11:00 Monday, April 3, 2006 at Zion Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Gary Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be on Sunday from 2-6 PM at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, with a Prayer Service at 5:00 PM. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.

Helen Olea Wick was born January 31, 1912, in Benville Township, Beltrami County, MN, the daughter of Hans and Katherine (Brevick) Wick. She was baptized and confirmed at Valle Lutheran Church, Grygla, MN. She grew up and attended rural school in Benville Township. She worked as a domestic in the Rudy Sagmoen home in Thief River Falls, MN.

On October 28, 1934, Helen was united in marriage to Tron Fonnest at the Grygla, MN parsonage by Reverend Anderson. The couple lived in Greenbush, MN for one year and then moved to Middle River, MN for a short time before moving to Grygla, MN, where Tron operated the Fladeland Garage. In 1942, the couple moved to Thief River Falls, MN. For a brief interlude, the couple lived in Kenyon, MN, from 1960-1963. They also lived in Phoenix, AZ for a year in 1966.

Survived by daughter, Rosalie (James) Wegge, Phoenix, AZ and son, Larry Fonnest, Minneapolis, MN; 3 grandchildren, Scott Wegge, Yuma, AZ, Kim (John) Dorso, Phoenix, AZ and Jacqueline (Jeff) Tumilson, Phoenix, AZ

Preceded in death by husband, Tron; son, Richard; parents; sisters, Kay Overvold Bjorkman and Marie Wick; brothers, Arnie, Matt, Harold and Elmer Wick

Family condolences may be sent by visiting www.johnsonfuneralservice.net
Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls