Helena Hurley

Helena Hurley, age 97, a resident of Milbank, SD, and formerly of Big Stone City, SD, died on Wednesday, October 5, 2016, at the Ortonville Hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 10, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Big Stone City with Padre’ Da’vid Garza celebrating the Mass. Burial will follow in the St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 5-7 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home in Milbank and will continue on Monday at the church for one hour prior to the time of Mass.

Casket bearers will be Jack Hurley, Duane Hurley, Pat Hurley, Keith Hurley, and Paul Murray.

Helena Marie Hurley was born on March 10, 1919, in Milbank, SD, to John and Helena (VanDeVoort) Vissers. She grew up in Milbank, graduating from the Milbank High School with the class of 1937. Following graduation, Helena moved to Wisconsin where she worked in a hospital with the nuns for several years. She then returned to Milbank.

On July 29, 1946, Helena was united in marriage with John R. Hurley at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. This union was blessed with five children. Although primarily a homemaker, Helena spent much of her time working with her husband farming together outside of Milbank from 1947-1970. Helena and John then operated the grocery store in Big Stone City, SD, for around ten years before retiring.

Helena was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church in Big Stone City, faithfully attending until she was unable. She was a member of the Altar Society and was active in helping with the Fall Bazaar and funerals at church.

Helena enjoyed cooking, baking, and sewing. She took great pride in her academic achievements and keeping family records. She was the driving force in planning the Hurley reunion that took place every two years and enjoyed sharing her meticulous photo albums and records at the event. Helena also enjoyed maintaining her plants and in her younger years loved having a large garden. Most important to Helena was her family and she cherished the time spent with them.

Left to cherish Helena’s memory is her daughter, Rhonda (Paul) Murray of Chatsworth, GA; sons: Jack (Susan) Hurley of O’Neill, NE; Duane (Vicki) Hurley of Milford, IA; Pat (Sonja) Hurley of Fairfield, IA; Keith (Jana) Hurley of Aberdeen, SD; thirteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister, Marie Sleaper of Wisconsin; sister-in-law, Billie Vissers of Brookings, SD; many nieces and nephews; and special friends: Dennis and Arlene Fonder; Marilyn Athey; Faye Athey; and Arveen VanHout.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters: Sister Fidelis and Nellis Smith; and brothers: George, William and Andrew Vissers.