Helen Emily (Wagner) Bentzen

Helen Emily Bentzen, age 97, residing in Mishawaka, Indiana passed away at 10:45 am on Sunday, June 20, 2021 at Healthwin Specialized Care, South Bend.  She worked as a clerk for St. Joseph Bank and a cashier with Kroger’s and Wilt’s, retiring in 1987.

Helen was born on October 22, 1923 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Herman and Margaret (Volz) Wagner and remained a lifelong resident.  On February 15, 1948 in South Bend, Indiana she was united in marriage to Irwin Edgar Bentzen.  He preceded her in death on April 25, 2009. 

Helen is survived by two daughters, Nancy Philabaum of South Bend and JoAn (David) Butler of Columbia City; her son, Craig (Constance) Bentzen of Pittsburgh, PA; five grandchildren, Richard (Michelle) Philabaum, Randall (Sarah) Philabaum, Craig Bentzen, Catherine Bentzen and Christopher Butler; and seven great-grandchildren.  Helen was also preceded in death by her grandson, Robert Philabaum;  her sisters, Margaret Whipkey and Emma Wagner; brothers, Herman Wagner, Fred Wagner and William Wagner; and two half-sisters, Bertha Scholtz and Julia Hildebrand.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Zion United Church of Christ, 211 S. St. Peter Street, South Bend, IN 46617.  Reverend Jo An Schaetzle, pastor of the church, will officiate.  Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 am Saturday at the church until time of services. Palmer Funeral Home – River Park is assisting the family with arrangements.

Charitable donations in Helen’s memory may be made to Zion United Church of Christ.  Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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