Helen Schwieters

Helen Schwieters, 97, of Melrose, died peacefully July 8, 2004 at Pine Villa Care Center in Melrose.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 13, 2004 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Melrose with Rev. John Schwieters, Rev. Vince Lieser, Rev. Severin Schwieters and Rev. Ken Thielman concelebrating. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Christian Mothers will pray at 5:30 p.m. followed by Franciscan Sisters prayer service at 6:30 p.m. and parish prayers at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Helen was born on September 10, 1906 in Saskatchewan, Canada to Bernard and Catherine (Spaeth) Gerding. She married Nicholas Schwieters on September 17, 1930 in St. Cloud, Minnesota. They owned and operated Ideal Caf+ in Belgrade for nine years before moving to St. Cloud in 1939. They moved to Elrosa in 1942 and had the liquor store there until 1947 when they moved to Freeport and owned the Pioneer Inn. They moved back to St. Cloud in 1957 and then to Melrose in 1958 where they owned Nick's Bar. They retired in 1968. Helen was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Melrose, Christian Mothers and various card clubs. She enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, and playing cards.

Helen is survived by her children, Guy Schwieters (Eileen) of Crosslake, Roger Schwieters (Nancy) of Crosslake, Sr. Jean Schwieters of Little Falls, Glenn Schwieters (Ann) of Waseca, and Fr. John Schwieters of Santarem, Para', Brazil; sister, Rose Miller of St. Cloud; 9 grandchildren and 24 great- grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Nick Schwieters on October 27, 1973; her parents, Bernard and Catherine Gerding; and brothers and sisters, Carl, John, Hubert, Leonard, William and Tony Gerding, Mary Nentl, Ann LaRock and Gertrude Frerichs.

Casket bearers will be Kurt, Mark, Mike, Tom, and Gary Schwieters, and Dan Koch. Cross bearer will be John Schwieters. Scripture bearer will be Joseph Schwieters. Gift bearers will be Kelsie and Christopher Hadfield, and Rachel and Michael Schwieters. Lectors will be Mary Young, Mary Schwieters, and Gina Oakland.