Helene Pettit

Helene (Schmidt) Pettit, age 90 of Perham, died Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Perham Living.

She was born on January 8, 1933 in Perham, to Robert and Margaret (Libert) Schmidt. Helene was graduated from Perham High School in 1950 and went on to St. Cloud State to obtain degrees in biology and physical education.

In 1956, she was united in marriage to Robert Lynn Pettit at St. Henry's Catholic Church in Perham. The Pettit's spent time in Salt Lake City, UT, Mahnomen, and eventually settled in Perham.

Helene was very active in the Perham community and was a member of several groups including the Mrs. Jaycees, Catholic Daughters, and Friends of the Library. She enjoyed teaching and was a substitute Perham High School, taught cooking classes for Community Education and later taught at St. Henry's School. She also volunteered at the Perham Library, which led to employment she enjoyed until retirement.

Helene loved to travel, taking many trips and cruises around the world. Some of her destinations included China, Nepal, Brazil, and Mexico. She also loved cooking, catering and entertaining for her friends and family.

Surviving Helene are her children, Thomas Pettit, Michael (Dawn) Pettit, Paul (Janet) Pettit, Maggie (Dave) Pettit-Laske, Patricia Pettit (Paull Rukavina), and Nicole Pettit (Dan Beers); grandchildren, Jill Pettit, Robert Rukavina, Andrew Rukavina, and Nicholas Rukavina; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Margaret; husband, Robert; son, James; and sisters, Margaret Lucking and Roberta Solberg.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Henry's Catholic Church in Perham, with visitation one hour prior to mass. Interment will be at St. Henry's Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the Perham Public Library or St. Henry's Area School.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com