Helen Dorothy Zehms

Helen Zehms; 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children Saturday, September 5, 2026 at her home in Brook Park.  Helen Dorothy Gamer was born October 13, 1935 to Frederick and Pauline (Jabs) Gamer in Frazee, Minnesota. 

She graduated from Frazee High School and in 1955 Helen met Duane Zehms. They were married April 25, 1959, in Frazee, Minnesota. The couple made their home in Roseville, Minnesota, where their four children, Michael, John, Elizabeth, and Mary, were born. In 1978 they moved to Brook Park, Minnesota where Helen remained in her home until her passing.

Helen worked for approximately 30 years at Sperry Unisys in St. Paul, Minnesota, as an electrical parts inspector. After the company significantly reduced its United States manufacturing operations following North American Free Trade Agreement, she decided to pursue a new interest. She attended upholstery classes at Century College in White Bear Lake. Upon completing the program, she retired to their home in Brook Park.

Throughout her life, Helen found joy in the simple things she loved: baking, knitting, sewing, crocheting, gardening, caring for her plants and flowers, and especially spending time with her family and grandchildren. She will be remembered for the love and care she gave to those around her and for the many things she created with her hands and heart.

Helen leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a family who will miss her dearly. Her love, creativity, and devotion to her family will remain a lasting part of their lives.

She is survived by her children, Michael Zehms, John (Therese) Zehms, Elizabeth (Dennis) Mulvaney, and Mary (Dave) Swanson; grandchildren, Katheryne Mulvaney, Lucas Mulvaney, Blake (Aubri) Zehms, Tiffany (Alex) Tangren; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Pauline Gamer; husband Duane Zehms; sisters, Ethel (Raymond) Culver, Fern Fuchs; brothers, infant Walter Gamer, Harold Gamer.

Chaplain Allen Blegen will officiate the funeral service for Helen: 1:00 PM; Tuesday, September 15, with a time of visitation for friends and family 1 hour prior to the service all at Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City. Helen’s interment will take place 10:30 AM Tuesday (10/6/2026) at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Funeral arrangements for Helen Zehms are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel.

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