Helen (Lichty) Muellenberg died peacefully Friday, May 17, 2024, at the age of 96. This strong-willed woman was born February 15, 1928, on the family farm near Wessington, SD, the youngest and only daughter to Fred and Lillian (Zens) Lichty. She joined older brothers Edward and Raymond. Growing up on the farm, she attended Harris School through the eighth grade, where she would ride her horse to school, then give it a swat on the rear to make it go home. Her high school years were spent at Wessington High School where she would later graduate.

   On February 14, 1949, Helen married Richard Muellenberg.  They made their home on the farm west of Redfield, SD.  She lived on the farm until 2022, when she relocated to the Eastern Star Home.  Helen and Richard had five children: Jim, Marge, Don, Roger, and Steve. 

   Helen worked on the farm and raised numerous types of livestock, but her favorite was her chickens.  You could find her late at night hunting the racoons in the trees that would try to kill her feathery friends.  She also worked at the South Dakota Developmental Center for many years and retired from there in 1990. But Helen never really retired.  She still would do odd housekeeping jobs, drive her friends to doctor appointments, take care of her grand kids, garden, can, hunt, fish, make her homemade wine, crochet, and be there to help anyone at the drop of a hat. She was caring, strong and independent, and she instilled that in her kids and grandkids.  Helen loved overdoing it for holidays and pheasant season openers. Everyone would go home with more leftovers than they knew what to do with.  She was a card-playing machine and would stay up until the early morning hours playing Pitch, Pinochle, or Cribbage with her family.  Her home was “home” to all her family and friends. Her door was always open, no matter the time of day.

   Grateful for having shared her life are her children: Jim Muellenberg of Rapid City, SD, Marge Frohling of Houghton, SD, Don Muellenberg of Munich, ND, Roger (Linda) Muellenberg of Zell, SD, and Steve Muellenberg of Redfield, SD.  She will also be missed by her 8 grandchildren:  Stacey, Michelle, Lance, Jeff, Shayna, Austin, Levi, and Tana; great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

   Helen was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, and her husband, Richard.

   Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Hyke Funeral Home in Redfield.  A prayer service, time of sharing, and rosary will start at 7:00 p.m.

   Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 23, at St. Mary’s Chapel in Zell. Reverend John Short will officiate.  Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Zell.  Lunch and fellowship will be in the church hall after the burial.

   Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home (www.hykefuneralhome.com).