Helen McClure

Helen Marie (Wilson) McClure, 87, of Bismarck, passed away on April 5, 2020. Private family services will be held.

She is the 12^th child out of 15 born to Jesse James Sr. and Alberta (Fraser) Wilson on February 18, 1933, in Bismarck. During the time of the Great Depression, she grew up in the home her father built on South 3^rd Street. Although her father did not believe in educating girls, this did not deter Helen from pursuing an education anyway along with working at the A&W (she got this first job on a dare from her younger sister) in the summer and at the Red Owl during school; this helped pay for her schoolbooks. Her ambition and determination paid off. In 1952, she became the first of her siblings to graduate from high school (BHS) - a fact she took great pride in. She went on to work at the Burleigh County ASCS office, where she gained a reputation for excellence. Her boss at the ASCS office was impressed with her impeccable work and praised her for the best work he had ever seen. On April 27, 1957 she married W. Neyl (Mac) McClure. They had three children: Meredith, Bruce and Aletha. With a family to care for, Helen put her career on hold to become a stay-at-home mom. She resumed work a few years later at the Highway Department in Vital Statistics – a job she held for several years. She stayed active in retirement and began looking for ways to contribute. She began volunteering at the Senior Center, Meals on Wheels and RSVP. Helen is fondly remembered for her many hours of volunteer work but also for her big heart. If you were a person in need, she would find a way to help you. A skilled bargain hunter and disciplined with money, she was proud of the fact that she was able to raise a family of five on her husband’s income and not go without at any time. She had all the phone numbers memorized of those important to her. Helen was ahead of her times in many aspects, but one of the most important was her ability to connect with others no matter their race, religion, age, or ethnic background. Family history and building relationships were important to her. When she would meet someone in the Bismarck area, she would find out their name and that of their relatives and then think if she might know them or someone in their family. She was a skilled seamstress, and a pretty good bowler (in her younger years). She had a very green thumb – all plants and flowers thrived under her care. She loved to work jigsaw puzzles and Roduku puzzles. She did them to keep her mind sharp. She was an extraordinary lady and will be sorely missed by all.

She is survived by her daughters Meredith (Joe) Gross, Bismarck, and Aletha McClure, Arkansas. Her grandchildren Bram Olson, Bismarck; Jeremia (Brandy) Heupel, Lincoln; Jennifer (Donald) Joseph, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Brian (Kelly) Gross, Idaho Falls, Idaho; Mark Gross, Salt Lake City ,Utah; Johnathan McClure, Fargo; Dr. Aileen Aldrich, Grand Rapids, Michigan; Andrew McClure, Fargo; and Elizabeth (Aaron) Krebsbach. Minot. Her great grandchildren Isabelle, Abigail Heupel; Devon Joseph; Heidi, Henry and Ava Gross; and James and Anna Krebsbach. One sister, Arlene Johnson, Bismarck, and three sisters-in-law: Lola Eagle, Prescott, Arizona; Elsie Wilson, Deer Island, Oregon; and Elaine Wilson, Parkers Prairie, Minnesota; two half brother-in-laws: Amasa Harrison, Washington and Alan McClure, Virginia along with many, many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son: Bruce, her parents, and her siblings: Leola Stansky, Dorothy Gorden, Vera Gorden, Virginia Anstrom, a baby sister, Kenneth Wilson, Hazel Gorden, Jesse Wilson, Jr., Alvin Wilson, Goldie Maynard, Ellen Mae Kirkey, Marian Kirkey, and Leonard Wilson; and several nieces and nephews.

To view Helen's funeral service, click here.