Helen Bracken, 81, died Tuesday, February 16th, 2016 at Hospice House in Rapid City, SD. She was surrounded by her loving family. Helen Elizabeth Bracken (Kraft) was born on April 29th, 1934 in Glencross, SD. Helen grew up on a farm in Glencross with her parents and her 15 siblings. It was here where her parents taught her the value of hard work. Helen attended school in Timberlake where she participated in Girls' State Honor Society, enjoyed basketball games, and loved to jitterbug at local dances. Helen married her high school sweetheart Ken Kirkeby in 1954; from this union five children were born. She helped him with several different business ventures. They moved to Rapid City, South Dakota in 1962. Helen's home was always open and welcoming to all of her children's friends. Helen married John Bracken in 1976 who later died in 2009. She enjoyed being involved in the Trap Club with John. Helen is remembered for her radiant smile, kind spirit, love of reading, her enormous heart and of course her famous pot roast. She would have made a great contestant on Wheel of Fortune. Helen will be joining her husband, John Bracken, her parents Jacob and Elizabeth Kraft, several siblings, and her great-granddaughter, Madyson Barbee. Helen is survived by her son, Randy (Valarie) Kirkeby of Eagle River, AK, daughters Elizabeth (Ted) Peiffer and Pam (Keith) Carlyle, son Mark (Sheryl) Kirkeby all of Rapid City, SD, daughter Lynette Kirkeby of Deadwood, SD, and companion Brent Larson, and her step-children Linda (Kenny) Gibbons and Greg Bracken. As well five siblings, 15 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Helen was self-sacrificing and happiest when around family. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 19th, at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, at 11:00 am with Rosary and Visitation preceding at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.