Helen Louise Cunnien Pollreis

HELEN CUNNIEN POLLREIS

September 26, 1925 – September 7, 2026

Helen Cunnien Pollreis was born on September 26, 1925, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Clarence and Louise (Schafhauser) Hetzel. An only child, Helen graduated from Washington High School in 1943.  In July 1945, she married Roger Cunnien. They made their home in St. Paul, where they raised their three daughters, Susan, Linda, and Jeanne. In 1974, Roger and Helen moved to McGregor, Minnesota. Roger passed away in 1988.  In October 1991, Helen married Richard Pollreis and moved to Forest Lake, Minnesota. In 2000, she returned to McGregor. Richard passed away in 2004.  Helen passed away in her 101st year with family by her side. She remained very much herself until the end. According to her daughter, Helen was still giving instructions to her family within 24 hours of her passing.  Helen loved people, activity, and being involved, and she remained active throughout her life. Her travel adventures took her to Germany, Hawaii, Florida, Alaska, and on Caribbean cruises. She was a life member of the VFW in McGregor and The American Legion in Forest Lake, where she volunteered many hours. Helen was also active in Holy Family Catholic Church, ANGELS, and the MACC, serving wherever she could.  She enjoyed dancing, sewing, reading, Tuesday cribbage, and Friday ladies’ card parties with her many special friends. To Helen, no one was a stranger. She truly loved people and enjoyed being surrounded by them.

Helen is survived by her daughters, Susan (Sue) Fox and Jeanne (Gary) Tast; son-in-law, Gary Thompson; nine grandchildren, Burke Fauks, Chad (Tami) Fauks, Emily (Jon) Farah Miller, Elizabeth (Bill) Dean, Kay (Ron) Dehn, Tom Farah, Sarah (Trent) Gerads, Sami Tast Bennett, and Hannah (Andy) Kaderlik; 18 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and many relatives and special friends.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Linda Farah Thompson; sons-in-law, Bill Fox and Ed Farah; husbands, Roger Cunnien and Richard Pollreis; and her parents, Clarence and Louise Hetzel.

The family extends special thanks to Moments Hospice for the kindness and care they provided to Helen.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to ANGELS, 7 Maddy St., McGregor, MN 55760. ANGELS played an important role in helping Helen remain in her home and provided transportation to many of her appointments.

Funeral Mass will be 12:00pm – Saturday, September 26, 2026, (Helen’s 101st Birthday) at Holy Family Catholic Church in McGregor.  Visitation will begin at 10:00am at the church. Burial will be in Union Woodland Cemetery. Lunch will be served at the Church. Arrangements are with McGregor Funeral Home & Cremation Services in McGregor.  To leave a message of condolence, go to www.srtfuneral.com

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