Helen Markl

HELEN MARIE (SORENSEN) MARKL was born on November 24, 1929 to Hans and Clara (Bornholdt) Sorensen on the family farm near Ruthton, Minnesota. Helen attended nearby country school until the 8th grade, at which point she stayed home to help on the farm. When she was old enough, Helen began her working career such as a pin setter at the Ruthton Bowling Alley and the Red & White Grocery store. On April 21, 1948, Helen married Harold Markl on the family’s farm. Following their marriage, the young couple moved to Pipestone, Minnesota. Helen and Harold began the Markl Taxi Service, shortly after their move. While raising their eight children, Helen still managed to work at places including; Sid and Min’s Cafe, the Acoma Inn and Thunders Nest. Helen continued to work many places over the years, including being a customer service associate at Pamida in Pipestone. Harold passed away on February 14, 1986. Later that year, Helen received her GED, something that she was extremely proud of. In 1992, Helen began volunteer driving for Pipestone County, a job that she truly loved. Helen moved to the Edgebrook Care Center in Edgerton, Minnesota. Helen continued to live there until her passing on Sunday, May 19, 2019 at the age of 89 years, five months, and 29 days.

Helen was born during the time of the Great Depression, a time where families had very little, but they were proud of what they did have and what they worked for. Helen took these lessons to heart. She was a hardworking individual that loved to help others. She was a selfless person that was extremely personable and knew almost everyone. Helen loved bowling, word searches, and the Minnesota Twins.

She is lovingly remembered by her eight children, Joyce (Dennis) Buffington of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Susan Markl of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Joe (Kim) Markl of Worthing, South Dakota, Tammy Dock of Pipestone, Lehn (James) Lovelett of Pipestone, Lori Markl of Pipestone, Teresa (Doug) Byers of Sioux Falls, and Kevin Markl of Sioux Falls; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and many other loving friends and family members. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; her brother Wayne Sorensen; and her sisters, Ethel Huhnstock and Gladys Lingen.