HELEN LOEWEN HUEBNER

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HELEN LOEWEN HUEBNER (nee EIDSE) April 3, 1928 - June 23, 2016 On April 3, 1928, she was born in the prairie home her father built in Rosenort, Manitoba. On June 23, 2016, Helen Huebner, whose life was profoundly dedicated to her family and friends, died in Niverville, Manitoba after a long illness. Helen was predeceased by her husband of 25 years, Bert; her brothers Eddy and Andrew, and sisters Doreen and Mary. She will be deeply missed by surviving sisters Margaret and Elma; brother Ralph; children, Michele, Mark, Denise (Garry), Brock (Lisa), and their extended families; her grandchildren Matthew, Adam, Lauren, Mason, Greg, Joel, Veronica, Erik, Christien, Nicholas, Kate, Will, Lucas; and great-grandchildren Willow and Dante. Helen will also be missed by her many friends, family, colleagues, and associates across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Helen was born in the spring of 1928 to Cornelius and Mary Eidse. Confident, resourceful, loving, and generous, Helen was always a prairie girl at heart. The stories she shared of childhood were raucous, entertaining, and often instructive. Helen took pride in her ability to drive a tractor and plow the fields of their family farm while still in grade school. At the age of 14, Helen left the comfort and safety of her devout, farming community to continue her studies in the city of Winnipeg. She lived with a family and cared for the children in exchange for room and board while she studied. Helen was a dedicated and successful student. Her science notebooks display an astonishing attention to detail. Later, she enjoyed her first career as an executive secretary working in the Eaton's advertising department, IBM, Investor's Syndicate, and as the personal assistant of the Provincial disaster co-ordinator during the Great Flood of 1950. Then she met the love of her life, Bert Huebner, an educator and entrepreneur. They married and started a family in 1954, then started a business in 1965. Together they created a thriving commercial network that included real estate developments and innovative product distribution. Their venture, B&H International, succeeded beyond their most optimistic expectations. When Bert's life was struck down unexpectedly in 1979, Helen kept the company moving forward, soon afterwards doubling its size. For 88 years she brought joy into the lives of the people around her. Helen defined her success by how she could help others succeed. It made no difference if she was kibitzing with heads of state or industry, or breaking bread with an itinerant worker: she shared her honest warmth and open spirit with everyone she met. Helen led by example. She was always eager to inspire and nurture others. As a result, Helen was invited by business, community, and non-profit organizations throughout the world to share her knowledge of personal, professional, and spiritual growth. Whether she was speaking in private or on a stage in front of thousands, Helen's message was an unmistakable medley of cheerful faith and practical guidance. Towards the end of her life, her fearless voice was silenced. But her warm, prairie girl smile was always lightening quick and abundant with love. Rest in peace, Mom. Informal viewing: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 29 at Klassen Funeral Home, 1897 Henderson Hwy. Interment service: 10:00 a.m., Thursday, June 30 at Glen Eden Memorial Gardens, 4477 Main St. Memorial service: 2:00 p.m., Thursday at Ashgrove Acres, 19039 Provincial Road 305 (near Niverville), followed by an informal reception and fellowship. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent of YFC Niverville or World Vision Canada KLASSEN FUNERAL HOME 1897 HENDERSON HWY. 204-338-0331 Condolences may be sent to www.klassenfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 29, 2016