Helen J. Eiken

Helen J. Eiken, 82, of Fargo, ND, formerly of Portland, ND, died Friday, October 4, 2013 at Essentia Hospital in Fargo. Helen was born December 14, 1930 in Schafer, ND, one of eleven children of Hans and Johanna (Evanger) Evanson. She attended rural McKenzie County and Arnegard schools. She moved to Mayville, ND with her sister Elena in 1949 where she met Carmen D. Eiken from Portland. They were married January 1, 1950 in Arnegard. Except for a brief time in California, Helen and Carmen made Portland their home for more than 50 years. Carmen owned and operated a bulk fuel business. Helen had several jobs over the years. Her final employment was with the Mayville State College financial aid department. Following retirement, Helen and Carmen enjoyed camping at the lake, traveling, trips to Las Vegas, playing cards, their dogs, and visiting or calling friends and relatives. Helen also enjoyed cooking large holiday meals, baking, sewing and reading. The primary focus for Helen was always family, particularly her son Dwight and his wife Suzanne, along with her beloved grandchildren Zachary and Tyler. Grandma Helen traveled to Williston numerous times to be a very avid and vocal cheerleader for school, sporting, or other activities of her grandsons. After 52 years of marriage, Carmen passed away in 2002. Helen then made Fargo home where she lived independently until her passing. Helen will be remembered and deeply missed by her son Dwight, his wife Suzanne, and her grandsons Zachary and Tyler, all of Williston; her sister Elena Njos of Williston; her brothers Hans (Joyce) Evanson and Jim (Bonnie) Evanson, all of Livingston, MT; Gaylord (Gladys) Evanson Spokane, WA; and Raymond (Joanne) Evanson of Williston; her sister-in-law Beverly Evanson of Fargo; along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in passing by her husband Carmen, her parents, her sister Hazel Holo, and her brothers Jerome, Wendell, Orville, and Edward. Visitation: Will be from 5-7 PM on Wednesday, October 9, 2013 with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at Baker Funeral Home Chapel and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Service: 11:00 AM Thursday, October 10, 2013 at Aurdal Lutheran Church, Portland, ND. Burial: 4:00 PM Thursday, October 10, 2013 at Riverside Cemetery, Fargo, ND.