Helen Marie Lantgen

Helen passed away peacefully at Westward Heights on Tuesday, September 10, from the related progression of Parkinsons' Disease. To avoid having to make a decision on the upcoming presidential election, she instead chose God.

Helen Marie Mangles (Lantgen) was born on May 2nd, 1942, in Centralia, Washington to Emil and Leona Mangles. The family moved to Dempster, South Dakota, in 1947, and that became their home. She often told stories of her and her three brothers' mischievous endeavors growing up. She began working at her father's hardware/implement store in her teens. She excelled in school, music, and theater. She loved to sing and play the piano or even the organ for church. Later in life, she would blast polka music throughout the house when her children wouldn't wake up for school. After High School, she went on to South Dakota State, where she received her bachelor's in elementary education.  In 1965, she met Larry Lantgen, and he became the Yin to her Yang; they married on August 7th, 1966, and later went on to have four exceptional children. She and Larry moved to Pukwana & Chamberlain, South Dakota, where Larry started working as a ranch hand. Helen began her teaching career as an elementary school educator, and for 19 years, she taught in and around this area. The family made many memorable memories there, and of course, in true Lantgen fashion, there were plenty of humorous memories. Like when Helen decided to take lunch to Larry, who was busy working in the field. She drove the car through the tall wheat with her two youngest in tow until her son looked out the window and said, "Mommy, fire is following us." Yes, it was Helen who started a wheat field on fire and burned the family car.

In 1989, the family moved west to Lander, Wyoming, and she began her career with The Wyoming State Training School, where she worked for 20+ years until her retirement. It was also during this time that she brought "Rosie the Clown" to Lander.  Helen made it her mission to make anyone around her laugh, whether they were children or adults. She was well known for her "uniqueness" and loud, colorful clothing. She had a heart of pure gold and would help anyone in need.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents Emil & Leona; her brothers Larry, David, and Dean; her in-laws Martin & Lucile Lantgen; and three brothers-in-law Robert Wangen, James Andrew, Jimmy Lantgen, and Lyle Larson.  She is survived by her husband Larry; children Brian (Teresa) Lantgen of Cedar Creek, Texas; Kelly (Doug) Lantgen of Lander; Brock (Kary) Lantgen of Lander; and Jenny (Juble) Lok of Casper. Grandchildren Jared, Julia, Jessica, Curtis, Caleb, and Cullen. Great grandchildren Emersyn and Elliana. The public viewing will be Sunday from 5-7 at Hudson's Funeral Home, with the service on Monday, September 16th at 10.

The family encourages individuals to come and share their favorite memories of Helen.

Please sign the online guestbook at: hudsonsfh.com