Helen Hoerner Weiand Brinkerhoff, 86

Helen Hoerner Weiand Brinkerhoff passed away May 29, 2014, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, with her daughter by her side. Her pain and suffering are now over, she can finally have the peace she deserves.

Helen was born April 4, 1928, to Antone and Caroline Hoerner in Hazen, N.D. She was the 18th child, the “Amen” as she used to say. Her passing is the end of an era; she was the last surviving member of the original Hoerner family.

She married Donald Weiand Nov. 8, 1949. They spent 30 happy years until Don’s passing in 1979.

She started a new chapter of her life with her marriage to John Brinkerhoff on May 3, 1986. Their lives involved many, many nights of dancing; they loved to dance. They traveled to many national parks, and went on picnics and camping trips. They enjoyed a great life. She was always a homemaker. She loved to cook, and her family dinners will always be remembered by her children, grandsons and great-granddaughters; those were memories that will never be forgotten. She had an amazing green thumb and especially loved her many cactus plants. She loved her squirrels, they were the best fed squirrels in town. She had a talent not many knew about, she was great artist. Her walls are hung with her paintings that would put any great painter to shame.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; son, Donnie; six sisters, Carrie, Regina, Frances, Rosie, Ida and Millie; 11 brothers, Mike, Johnny, Tony, Jack, Adolph, Frank, Pete, Willie, Vincent, Ronie and Danny; and her parents, Antone and Caroline.

She is survived by her husband, John; daughter, Darlene and husband, Henry Herman; son, Randy Weiand; grandsons, Guy and Michelle Herman, and Wade Herman and Kat Ray; and great-granddaughters, Brittney and Jade Herman. Helen was so looking forward to meeting her great-great-granddaughter Gracelynn, who will to arrive in two months. Our lives will never be the same without her. We love and miss you mom, grandma and great-grandma.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Helen’s family. You are invited to go to www.columbiamortuary.com to view Helen’s tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.