Ilene Hjelm

Ilene was born on March 8, 1919, in Solem Township, the daughter of Roald and Amanda (Skramstad) Benson. She was baptized and confirmed at Solem Lutheran Church. Ilene attended country school in Solem Township through the 8th grade. As a teenager she went to work for the Aslagson family and that is when she met Perry Hjelm. On November 15, 1939, Ilene was united in marriage to Perry Hjelm at the Farwell Church. After their marriage the couple farmed in the Holmes City area until 1950 when they took over the Holmes City Roller Mill. The family lived above the mill until 1953 when the mill burnt down. They rebuilt the mill and the Hjelm family continued to live in the Holmes City area. Ilene and Perry loved the simple things in life. In 1977 the couple went to Hawaii with the Aslagsons and enjoyed their time there but were happy when they returned home. Perry died in 1997. Ilene continued to live in the Holmes City area until 2003 when she moved to Bethel Manor. She enjoyed living there as she could see Lake Winona and looked forward to BINGO. Ilene would call Dan afterwards and tell him ?I came home with what I left with?. Ilene enjoyed making dounuts, lefse and made the best hardtack. She also canned, liked to work in the yard, her vegetable garden, play cards and aggravation. She loved her sisters and brother ? they were her best friends and always enjoyed visits from them. Ilene died on Monday, April 18, 2011, at the Knute Nelson Home. She is survived by her son, Daniel & Mary of Holmes City; grandchildren: Bill of Holmes City, Tammy Hjelm of Hopkins; sister-in-laws: Charlotte Hjelm and Vera Hjelm; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Perry; parents, two sisters: Evelyn Hjelm and Beatrice Gylsen; brother, Raynold. Funeral services were held on Friday, April 22, 2011, 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Holmes City with Rev. Denise Croskey officiating. Pallbearers were Greg Hjelm, James Hjelm, Armand Gylsen, MarlinGylsen, Cindy Wunderlich, Dwight Wagenius. Burial was at Rose Hill Cemetery in Holmes City.