Helen Louise (McFarland) Magnusson of Rapid City, died at age 75 in her home Sunday, June 19th, 2011, surrounded by her family, after fighting a short, but aggressive battle with cancer. She was born March 31st, 1936, in Mobridge SD, the daughter of Wilfird and Helen (Patten) McFarland. Helen grew up in Mobridge graduating from Mobridge High School where she was a cheerleader and a majorette. In March 1954, she was voted South Dakotas prettiest cheerleader. She married Ross Ham in 1954. They lived on a ranch in Elk Creek, SD. They were blessed with 2 children, Mollie & Jason. During that time, Helen was actively involved with the Republican Party, was a very accomplished cook & seamstress, as well as managing the ranch. Following their divorce, Helen became involved in many civic & arts activities of the community. She was very generous with her time and talents to raise attention and funds for community needs. She married Dr. Barry Nelson in 1971. They lived in Brookings, SD. The couple was blessed with daughter Kathleen. In 1975, the family moved to Sioux Falls where Helen continued to be involved with the Republican Party, as well as the American Cancer Society. Following their divorce, Helen started teaching microwave cooking classes, as well as marketing for the Ms. South Dakota pageant organization. In 1989, Helen moved to the Black Hills where she married Dr. Gordon K. Magnusson. She worked with the SD beef council, traveling the state marketing for them, as well as hosting cooking classes, including a frequent spot on KOTA noon show. In her years in Rapid City, Helen was very active in the community, church, fundraisers, garden club, Journey Museum and the Black Hills Symphony, where she was recently awarded the Russell Mettler Orchestra Service Award. Helen will be truly missed by her family & friends. We will especially miss that special Helen touch she added to everything she did, her wonderful sense of humor and of course, her cooking. Grateful for having shared her life is her husband Dr. Gordon K. Magnusson, Rapid City, two daughters Mollie (Gary) Klinghagen of Tea, SD, Kathleen (Julie Dittel) Nelson of St. Paul, MN, son Jason Ham of Sioux Falls, SD; seven grandchildren along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins & friends. Preceding her in death were her parents, Wilfird & Helen McFarland, sisters Francis Bitz, Marge Erdahl, Muriel Schultz, Patricia Gene Brockel and great-granddaughter Alaina Ham. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM Friday at the Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Services will be at 2:00 PM, Saturday, June 25, at the First Congregational Church with Rev. Tom Cambell officiating. Interment will be at Mt. View Cemetery in Keystone. An old fashioned Irish Celebration of Life Wake will be held from 4-6 PM at Murphys Pub on 9th and Main Street in Rapid City.