Helen Vine

     Helen Vine, age 89, of Decorah, IA died at her home Monday, December 15, 2014 after a short illness.      Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, December 20, 2014, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Locust, rural Decorah, IA, with Arland Braaten-Lee presiding.  Burial will be in the Russell Cemetery, Decorah, IA.      Friends may call from 3:00-7:00 p.m., on Friday at the Schluter – Balik Funeral Home in Decorah, IA, and also after 9:00 a.m., at the church on Saturday morning.  There will be a Ladies VFW Auxiliary service at 6:00 p.m., on Friday.      Helen Jean Lee was born on January 25, 1925, the daughter of Augrim and Ida (Estrem) Lee near Ossian, IA. Helen graduated from Decorah High School in 1943. She worked in a retail store and then did bookwork for Gross Oil Company for one year. She was united in marriage to Paul Haugen in 1947, at the First Lutheran Church in Decorah. She and Paul farmed near Decorah and stayed at home to raise her children. Paul died suddenly in 1969. Helen married Charles Vine on December 8, 1970. They lived and farmed together for thirty-two years. Helen enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, reading books and watching the Game Show Network and Western Channel. Helen was known for her homemade pumpkin pies during the holidays and for her delicious sugar cookies. She was a former member of the Rebekah Lodge and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Helen was a member of the Hauge Lutheran Church.      Helen is survived by her two sons: David (Sharyl) Haugen, Ossian, IA, and Paul Haugen, Decorah, IA. One son-in-law: George Kakos, Decorah, IA. Two step-daughters: Kristy (Bob) Berteotti, Cary, IL, and Julie (Frank) Rich, Bartlett, IL. Twelve grandchildren: Debbie (Matt Mullins) Kakos, Christine Kakos, Nicolette (Shawn) O’Neill, Paul James Haugen, Lance Haugen, Kylene (fiancé, Cory Ellis) Haugen, Cody Haugen, Torbin (Kathy) Haugen, Jessie Kipp, Hans Van Pham, Kirsten Wojtaszek, and Kyle (Stephanie) Rich. Great great grandchildren: Simon, August and Eli Mullins, Serina Kellogg, Tyler Helgeson, Hailie Hacker, Akira Haugen, Caleb, Brianna and Hailey Wojtaszek. Sister-in-law: Darlene Vine, Decorah, IA. One brother-in-law: Ernie Vine, Burlington, WA, along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.      Helen was preceded in death by her parents: Augrim and Ida (Estrem) Lee. Her first husband: Paul Haugen on Aug. 9, 1969 and her second husband: Charlie Vine on March 30, 2003. Her daughter: Sharon Kakos on Jan. 7, 2010. Step-daughter: Michelle Vine. One brother: Knute (wives, Hazel and Velma) Lee, along with several brothers and sisters-in-law.