Helen Piepgras Obituary Helen Agnes Piepgras, age 101, died peacefully on March 26 at Diamond Willow in Baxter, Minnesota. She was born June 5, 1912 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Paul & Clara Scheunemann, the oldest of 4 children. A woman ahead of her time, after graduating high school, she went on to become an executive secretary at the Peavy Company, exchanging that role for that of an executive wife after marrying Alroy Piepgras on February 22, 1941. They traveled to Japan with Al's job with Northwest Orient Arlines and spent 5 years in Tokyo during the occupation of US Forces under General MacArthur following World War II. After returning to St. Paul, she was instrumental in helping Al establish St. Croix Valley Natural Gas in River Falls, Wisconsin. On retirement, they lived in Sun City, Arizona for a number of years. After Al's death in 2002, Helen returned to Brainerd. She was active in Eastern Star and First Presbyterian Church. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Al, daughter, Carol, brother, Paul and sisters, Irene and Leona. She said, her greatest achievement was reaching the age of 100, seeing her 3 boys grow into fine men with wonderful families, and being able to enjoy her "4 greats", Ellie, Ryan, Josh and Brandon. She is survived by her sons, Richard (Judy) of Brainerd, Ken (Judi) of Sun City, Arizona, Don (Marti) of River Falls, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Steve (Jenn) of Foreston, Minnesota and Deborah (Matt) Eberts of Brainerd and her "4 greats" Ellie, Ryan, Josh and Brandon. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials are preferred to Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Baxter, Minnesota. The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff of Diamond Willow, St. Croix Hospice and Dr. Ann Williams for the loving, compassionate care extended to Helen and her entire family.