Helen Pepper, 85, of Eau Claire, Wis., and formerly of Austin, died Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011, at Heritage Court Memory Care with her family by her side.

Helen was born in Mansfield, Minn., on Aug. 28, 1926, to Inger and Louis Katzung. On April 2, 1945, she married her high school sweetheart, Lowell Pepper. He preceded in her in death on Aug. 1, 2011.

Helen and Lowell settled in Austin. In 1964, they moved to St. Paul.After their children were grown, Helen began her employment with 3M. She was very proud of her 20-year career there. She especially enjoyed her time as a supervisor in the Promotional Services Department.

In January of 1987, Helen and Lowell both retired from 3M. They moved to Arizona where they spent the next 22 years.

Helen loved their Arizona life. She was one of the founding members of the Creative Stitchers Club in Sun City West. She served as the first treasurer of the club and also as president, co-chaired two biennial needlework shows, coordinated bus tours, and taught classes.

She loved to learn new techniques to share with fellow stitchers. She was also a master gardener. Her love of flowers and nature was evident her entire life. She enjoyed reading, playing cards, walking, and socializing with her many friends. In December of 2008, they moved to Eau Claire to be near family.

Helen is survived by her sons: Michael (Sherry), Austin, and Patrick (Brenda), Houston, Texas; daughter: Peggy (Randall) Casper,Eau Claire, Wis; grandchildren: Robert (Carla) Pepper, Anna (Chad) Erie, Christopher (Jessica) Pepper, Kate (Zak) Kroum, Andrew, Scott and Sarah Casper; step-grandchildren: Brad and Bryan Trimble, and Jairus Ayles; seven great-grandchildren and one step-great-grandson. She is also survived by her sisters: Nadine Johnson, Austin, and Mary Ann Flaten, Clear Lake, Iowa; step-brother-in-law: Paul Anderson, Albert Lea,and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years; her parents; her step-father, Grant Kjos; her mother and father-in-law, Amy and Earl Pepper; grandson, Thomas Pepper; step-sister, Beverly Anderson; brothers-in-law, Thomas Flaten, Richard Johnson, Delmar (Juanita) Pepper, Walter (Georgette) Pepper; sisters-in-law, Helen Jo Picard, Ruth Schenck, and Jean Tabor; and nephew, Gary Pepper.

Helen will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her love of friends and family, her enthusiasm for life, and her deep and abiding love for her husband.

Memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater WI, 404 1/2 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.

Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 24, 2011, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave. in Eau Claire with Pastor Jim Page officiating. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery.

To express condolences online, please visit obituaries at www.lenmarkfh.com.