Longtime Lewistown Resident Helen D. Berger Dies at 85

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Helen D. Berger, a longtime resident of Lewistown, Montana, passed away on February 18, 2026 at the age of 85. Berger led an eventful life, working as a hairdresser, running her own electrolysis business in Great Falls, and authoring a book about her father's stories. She was married twice, first to Larry Arthur with whom she had three children, and later to Paul Berger, whom she met after reading about him in the news. Berger was an avid outdoorswoman who loved fishing, hunting, and hiking in the Missouri River breaks near her childhood home.

Why it matters

Berger's life story reflects the resilience and adventurous spirit of many Montanans who grew up in rural areas and built fulfilling lives despite economic challenges. Her passion for the outdoors and commitment to preserving family history through writing also highlight the importance of documenting the experiences of ordinary people.

The details

Born Helen Belle Duvall in 1940, Berger grew up in a large family on a ranch in the Missouri River breaks. After graduating high school, she attended beauty school in Great Falls and later opened her own electrolysis business in the city. Berger was twice married, first to Larry Arthur with whom she had three children, and later to Paul Berger, whom she met after reading about him in the news. After Paul's death in 2003, Berger moved to Lewistown, where she lived until her passing. In her later years, Berger enjoyed feeding the deer that came to her yard and reminiscing about her life through old photographs.

• Helen Belle Duvall was born on May 20, 1940.
• Berger married Larry Arthur in 1959.
• Berger opened her electrolysis business in Great Falls in the 1970s.
• Berger married Paul Berger in the early 2000s.
• Berger passed away on February 18, 2026 at the age of 85.