Blair Helen Hvezda

Helen Hvezda Blair age 96, passed away on February 6, 2014, at Peaceful Bliss Assisted Living where she had so lovingly been cared for the last five months of her life. Throughout her life she enjoyed visiting, playing cards, dancing and especially their square-dance group. She also enjoyed crocheting and pin-tuck pillow making and kindly gave each completed project away. Helen was born to Louis and Louise (Prchal) Hiebel on March 18, 1917. She grew up attending country school through the 8th grade in Lake Mary Township. Helen married Howard Harley Hvezda on March 28, 1938. To this union one son, David was born. They farmed with her parents on several different rented farms. Howard was gone defending our country during World War II and Helen helped on the farm and took care of their son. In later years Helen and Howard bought a small farm just outside of Alexandria. Her parents moved with them. As the two men worked for the Douglas County Highway Dept. and also took care of the farm, Helen and her mother raised chickens, butchered them and sold them door to door in Alexandria. They also sold produce from their garden. Helen and her mother helped take care of the animals on their farm. There were cows, sheep, chickens, ducks, and geese. There was even a billy goat for awhile that was suppose to run with the sheep and protect them from stray dogs. There are more than a few stories to tell about that. Besides all these chores Helen and her mother belonged to a Birthday Club and also a Homemakers Club. Helen and Howard looked forward to the square dances held at relatives and friends to provide some good social evenings. Howard passed away suddenly in 1963. Following his death Helen worked for the first ?fast food? restaurant in Alexandria -- McCarthy?s 10 cent hamburgers!! After her mother?s death in 1965, Helen and her father moved to town close to McCarthy?s. Later she worked at Knute Nelson Home for a short time. Helen married Allen Blair in 1983. They frequented many restaurants in the area from St. Cloud to Fergus Falls and beyond. Preceding Helen in death were her parents; husband, Howard; brother, Gilbert Hiebel, sister-in-law, Irene Hiebel; all the Hvezda in-law sisters & brothers. She is survived by her son, David (Florence) Hvezda; grandchildren: Jeanne (Tom) Hammer, Kenneth (Terry) Hvezda, Howard (Bridget) Hvezda, Judy (John) Welsh; great grandchildren: Andrea (Adam) Paulson, David Hammer, Brandon Hvezda, Ashley Hvezda; one great great grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held on Monday, February 10, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Alexandria. Burial was at the Bohemian Independent Cemetery in Lake Mary Township. Arrangements with Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net