Rapid City Mary Helene Freeland, 90, of Rapid City, died Saturday, November 7, 2009 at Golden Hills Living Center Bella Vista in Rapid City. Mary Helene Freeland was born in Watertown, SD on January 20, 1919 to Frances (Flynn) and John Wagner. At the age of three, Mary's father, John, passed away. Her mother Frances later married Isidore Hanten who was a great blessing to the family. Isidore was special to Helene. She referred to him as Daddythroughout her life. In grade school, there were several girls named Mary in her class so the teacher started calling Mary, Helene. From that day on, Mary called herself Helene. After graduating from high school, Helene moved to San Francisco with a friend for employment. She and the man of her dreams, Robert Freeland, were married on December 21, 1949 in Florence, SD. Robert and Helene traveled much with Robert's profession as a geologist. They lived in Colorado, California, Hawaii, and later settled in Spencer South Dakota. On their travels they enjoyed many hours together deep sea fishing and later pheasant hunting. Although they traveled all over the United States, South Dakota was still their home as they cherished the open plains and the Black Hills. After moving to Spencer to manage the sand and gravel company, Robert passed away on January 24, 1976. After Robert's passing, Helene relocated to Rapid City to be near her brother John, and his family. While in Rapid City, she started her own clothing company in her home called,The Clothes Horse, which she named after her mother, who had been nicknamed the clothes horse. With computerized sewing machines, she produced many fine clothing products and advertised them thoughout the midwest in her publications. Helene was a very prim and proper lady who valued etiquette. She enjoyed entertaining friends and family in her home. The table setting was always stunning. Helene learned from her mother the art of cooking and enjoyed creating sumptuous meals and elegant desserts from the many recipes she traded with friends. Being quick-witted and clever she always enjoyed a good joke. Watching birds and tending her roses, and tomatoes brought Helene joy. She was knowledgeable about current affairs and spoke passionately about politics. Helene was active in her Catholic parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral,and was a dedicated member of the altar society. She strongly valued her Catholic faith. Helene had a profound impact on the life of her niece Linda Williams of Watertown by teaching her proper etiquette as well as spirituality, kindness, compassion and the importance of being demure. As Linda would say, Helene was a Classy Lady. Helene will be remembered by her nieces Linda Schmeling Williams and family and Lana Schmeling Redlin and family of Watertown, Kathleen Wagner Meyer and family of Torrance California, nephews Larry Schmeling and family of Watertown and John Wagner and family of Rapid City. Helene was preceded in death by her husband Robert and her brother John. A Christian Wake Service will be held Thursday, November 12, at 7:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 13, at the Cathedral with Rev Tyler Dennis presiding. Inurnment will be 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 17, at Black Hills National Cemetary near Sturgis.