Pioneer Alaskan Helen L. Dolenc died July 1 in Salem, Ore. She was born Feb. 16, 1920 at Bedford, Ind., to Ulla and Beulah Hoopingarner Little. She was raised in Indiana and Arizona, and graduated from Long Beach Business College in California. She loved to travel.

Helen joined the Women’s Army Corp during World War II (specifically because the Army was the only service branch that would send women overseas) and served in England, France and Germany. She attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and was awarded the Commendation Medal. She later remarked that the most satisfying aspect of her military service was the time she spent as a volunteer in a military hospital in France.

Helen first moved to Alaska in 1947, working for Columbia Lumber Company in Sitka, Juneau, Anchorage and Fairbanks. After a three-year stint working in Morocco, she returned to Sitka and later married a prominent Alaskan, John L. Dolenc. They retired to Palmer in 1969. She was a homemaker and enjoyed working in the garden and with flowers. She especially enjoyed making jams and jellies and giving most of it to friends. Helen volunteered for the March of Dimes, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Easter Seals Society, chambers of commerce in both Sitka and Palmer, and the Palmer Senior Citizens Center. Of all her volunteer service, the one that was most important to her was her Army service during World War II and serving overseas. 

Helen was baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was a very active member for more than 60 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John, and her seven siblings. She is survived by son Donald, his wife Cathy, and grandchildren Mary, Jacob, Elise and John, of Keiser, Ore.

A viewing will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 560 West Arctic Road, at 8:30 a.m. Monday. A memorial service will follow at 10 a.m. Burial will be at noon at Fort Richardson National Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Valley Funeral Home and Crematory in Wasilla.