Helen Zallar

Helen (Mahovlich) Zallar, 95, of Gilbert, died Saturday, November 10, 2012 at Essentia Health in Duluth, Minnesota. Helen was born February 27, 1917 in Gilbert to Matt and Milka (Zoretich) Mahovlich. She was a lifetime resident of GIlbert and graduated from Gilbert High School in 1935. After graduation Helen worked as a typist at the high school for a year and as a clerk at the Gilbert Co-op for two years. She married Dr. Frank Zallar in 1939. The couple had three sons, John, David and Robert and made their home in Gilbert where her husband had his dental practice. Helen attended the University of Minnesota Continuation Center taking dental assistant courses. Helen worked at Doc's side for 32 years. Helen was very active in her community. She was past president and treasurer of the American Legion Auxiliary, a member of the VFW Auxiliary, Senior Citizens, Birthday Club, and the Slovenian Women's Union. A lifelong member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, she was past president of St. Theresa's Guild, and a member of the Catholic Womens Council and the Funeral Choir. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband in 1992, brothers Steve (Ann), Matt, John (Sylvia), Frank, Charlie (Virginia), and sisters Ann Krmpotich (Dan) and Kathryn Orlando (Joe). Helen is survived by three sons, John (Suzanne) and Robert (Ruby) of Duluth and David (Janet) of Anoka, her sister Mildred (Lud) Ipavec, of Virginia, sister-in-law Sylvia Mahovlich of Gilbert, five grandchildren, Frank, James, Peter, Joseph and Jennifer Zallar, great granddaughter, Bryn and numerous nieces and nephews. Helen was impeccably dressed for all occasions and was a matchless hostess. Whether for the simple suppers or fancy feasts, Helen's table was always beautifully arranged and her meals delicious. He family, children, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren have been spoiled by Helen's incredible walnut poticas, strudels, cakes, fresh vegetable soup, minsa, and other family favorites. Everyone got a package of goodies when they left her house or when she came to visit. Her family will remember Helen best as a woman devoted to God, to her family, and to others. She was an inspiration through her steadfast examples of private prayer and service. Her rosary and prayer books, always next to her bed, are testimony that her thoughts were never far from God. Funeral Mass will be 11am Friday, November 16, 2012 in St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Gilbert with Fr. Charles Flynn as celebrant. Visitation will be one hour prior to the mass at church. Burial will be in the Gilbert Cemetery. Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert.