Helen Burgard

Helen Browning Burgard, 88, of Idaho Falls, passed away on October 2, 2012, at Mt. Vernon Assisted Living Center in Idaho Falls. She was born on March 25, 1924, in Pocatello, Idaho to Raymond Irving Browning and Ida Belle Matson Browning. She attended schools in the area, graduating from Rigby High School. Helen served in the U.S. Women’s Army Air Force as a Staff Sergeant during World War II and the Korean War. She has lived in Blackfoot; Rigby; Wickenburg, AZ; Santa Ana, CA; Spokane WA; Newburgh, NY; Mesa, AZ; Omaha, NE; and Glasgow, MT. She resided in Idaho Falls for over 50 years. On December 19, 1947, she married Robert Dale Burgard in Coeur d’Alene, ID. They were later divorced. She worked as secretary and administrator for the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), now known as the Department of Energy. She retired in 1986. Helen was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and spent hours working in the Family History Libraries. She was a Master Gardener and loved to raise violets. She was accomplished in needlework with many challenging pieces showcased among her best work. She also was a talented photographer, an avid reader, and loved cats and dogs. Survivors are: Sister-in-law: Opal J. Browning of Idaho Falls, ID Nieces and Nephews: Gloria (Alan) Udy of Idaho Falls, Kent (Elyse) Browning of Idaho Falls, Carol Browning of Idaho Falls, Pauline (John) Burden of Ririe, and Pam (Mark) Merkley of Idaho Falls. 23 great nieces and nephews 10 great great nieces and nephews She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents; a brother, W. Gene Browning; and a great niece, Amanda Helen Martin. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 8, 2012, at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge) with Bishop David J. Teichert, of the Idaho Falls LDS St. Leon Ward, officiating. The family will visit with friends on Monday from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park with military rites performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Team and Idaho Honor Guard.