Helen Knake

Helen Mary Newberg was born April 15, 1916 at Litchfield, MN, to parents Edgar and Emma (Somers) Newberg. Helen grew up in Litchfield and St. James areas. Helen was baptized and confirmed at East Sveadahl Lutheran Church. She was united in marriage to Edwin Knake on September 10, 1936 at East Sveadahl Lutheran Church. The couple farmed near Windom, Comfrey and Springfield before moving to St. James in 1966. Helen worked at the Crescent Cafe in St. James for more than 30 years where she became well known for the pies she baked. She work there until her health forced her to retire at the age of 85. In 2004, she moved to Willmar to be near her son, Elroy, and later to the Bethesda Pleasantview Nursing Home. Helen loved gardening and canning items grown in her garden. She would also babysit neighborhood children, her home always had kids coming and going. She also took great pride in her old Model T. Helen is preceded in death by her husband, daughter Edna Mae, sons Lloyd Melvin, 5 brothers, 2 sisters, grandson Kevin, great-grandson Jeremy and her parents. She is survived by her sons Elroy Knake of Spicer, Leslie (Diane) Knake of Long Prairie, sister Doraine Starks of St. James, brother Richard Newberg of Toano, VA, 9 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.