Helen Paulina McDonnell, 95, Roseau, MN, formerly of Minot, died Friday, December 22, 2006, in a Roseau hospital.

Helen Scheer was born May 29, 1911, in Napoleon, ND, to Henry and Lina (Spitzer) Scheer. She was raised in that area and graduated from Steele High School in 1929. Following graduation, she moved with her family to Bismarck, ND, where she was employed as a clerk at a ready-to-wear store for several years.

Helen was united in marriage to Robert "R.J." McDonnell in 1938. They moved to Minot in 1945, where Mr. McDonnell was employed by Sweetheart Bakeries, and later Interstate Bakeries eventually serving as manager and general manager of the northern division. They resided in the Green Valley area of Minot for many years and she and Robert were very active in civic affairs. Robert died on Feb. 26, 1973. She was active in the Minot community until moving to Stevensville, MT in the mid-1990s. She moved to Roseau, MN in the late 1990s, eventually residing at Eventide Nursing Home until her death.

Helen especially enjoyed keeping in touch with her Minot friends.

Helen was an active member of First Lutheran Church, Minot, its altar guild and deaconess board and calling committee.

There are no known survivors.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son, Patrick McDonnell.

Funeral: Thursday, January 11, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. in First Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot;
Visitation: Wednesday from noon until 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home of Minot.
Memorials: Memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church radio ministry.