Helen I. Hapner

Helen I. Hapner, 87, a resident of Culver’s Miller’s Merry Manor for the past five years, died at 5 a.m. on Friday, October 14, 2005. Helen had been in failing health for the past several years. She had formerly lived at River Park in Plymouth. Prior to moving there, she lived 46 years in Dunlap, Ind.
A devoted and very dedicated mother and grandmother, Helen was born in Elkhart, Ind., on February 20, 1918. She was the daughter of Jefferson “Russ” J. and Edith V. Master Upson.
She graduated from New Paris High School in 1936 and from the Elite Beauty College, Elkhart, a year later.
On July 27, 1947, in Goshen, Helen and Edgar F. Teall were married. Edgar died March 23, 1950.
In April of 1961, Helen was married to Kenneth J. Hapner in New Paris, Ind. Kenneth died September 12, 1979.
A self-employed beautician, Helen was the owner/operator of Helen’s Beauty Shop in Goshen for 37 years.
She enjoyed flower gardening, fishing, hunting mushrooms and traveling the Midwest. An animal lover, she was especially fond of cats. John Wayne was her hero and favorite movie star.
She also enjoyed Big Band music, especially Glen Miller and Benny Goodman.
She was a member of the Dunlap E.U.B. Church for many years and a current member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, Plymouth.
Helen is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Russell E. “Russ” and Jeannette Teall, Plymouth, Ind. Jeannette was her friend and caregiver for many years.
Two grandsons survive: Brian E. and Susan Teall, Plymouth, and Eric Teall, a student at Manchester College
A step-son, Dennis Hapner and two step-grandsons, Shane and Terry Hapner also survive.
A half-sister and her husband, Rosie and Joe Warner of Granger, Ind., survive as well as a daughter-in-law, Cindy Noble.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents and by her husbands, Edgar Teall and Kenneth Hapner.
Friends will be welcomed by the family from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2005, in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth.
Funeral services will be held, following visitation, in the funeral home at 7 p.m. The Rev. William Kaster, pastor of the Trinity United Methodist Church, will officiate.
Burial will be in the South Prairie Street Cemetery, Elkhart, Ind.
Memorial gifts in Helen’s memory may be made to the Trinity Methodist Church Memorial Fund.