Helen Heppner, 88

Helen Heppner, a longtime resident of Reno, Nev., passed away on Monday, March 28, 2011, at the age of 88.

Born in Kalispell on June 21, 1922, to Albert and Marion Knutson, Helen graduated from Flathead County High School and attended secretarial school prior to moving to the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1940s.

She began a career in banking which she continued until moving to Reno in 1951. She returned to banking in 1968 and continued her banking career until her retirement.

Helen loved to sing and spent many years performing with choral groups that performed in nursing homes throughout the Reno-Sparks area. She was an avid reader, quick witted, and possessed a wonderful sense of humor. 

She was a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church for many decades. She was a past president of the Reno Host Lions Auxiliary and was also very active in Toastmasters.

She is survived by her son, Barry, and his wife, Weslynne, of Sparks, Nev.; her daughter, Tami Lewis, of Long Beach, Calif.; her four grandchildren, Tianna, Brittany, Scott and Jordan; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

She was pre-deceased by her son, Bryan; and her brother, Norman Knutson.

A memorial service is scheduled for June 24 in Reno.