Helen Metzger

Helen J. Metzger, age 97, of Melrose, died peacefully on Sunday, June 4, 2006 at the Melrose Area Hospital in Melrose, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 8 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Vince Lieser, Rev. Ken Thielman, and Deacon John Salchert concelebrating. Interment will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, June 8 at Gethsemane Cemetery in New Hope, MN.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 8 to 10 a.m. Thursday at Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Christian Mothers and Legion of Mary will pray at 6 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening.

Helen Metzger was born August 19, 1908 in Spring Hill, Minnesota to Joseph and Mary (Pung) Salchert. She was united in marriage to Hubert A. Metzger on June 12, 1928 at St. Mary's Cathedral in St. Cloud. Throughout her life she lived in St. Cloud, Minneapolis, Robbinsdale, Amery, Wisconsin and Melrose. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Christian Mothers, Legion of Mary of Melrose, Crosier Apostolate of Onamia, Jesuits Community, and Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, Council # 3656 of Crystal.

Survivors include her son, Virgil Metzger and his wife, Marty of Melrose; seven grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Otto Salchert and his wife, Lucille of Minneapolis; and sister, Alvina Salchert of Minneapolis.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Hubert A. Metzger on January 15, 1985; son, David Metzger; daughter, Janice Nagle; son-in-law, Larry Nagle; brothers, Hubert, George, and Fr. Arnold Salchert; and sisters, Susan Armstrong and Isabelle Miller.

Serving as casket bearers will be Bruce Anderson, David Metzger, Paul Metzger, Mike Nagle, Doug Nagle, and Jacob Metzger. Serving as cross bearer will be Amanda Metzger and scripture bearer will be Alicia Anderson. Honorary bearers will be the Christian Mothers and Legion of Mary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Crosier Apostolate, Jesuits Community, and/or St. Mary's Catholic Church.