Obituary of Carolyn Lee Helm

Carolyn Lee (Piehl) Helm, 84, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2023, with family by her side, in Edina, MN.

She will be forever loved by sons Michael (Sherry), Terry (Jackie), Patrick (Joli), Tony (Carrie), Harry (Melodee), and stepdaughter Sheryl; grandchildren Holly, Dan, Matt, Brianna, Dottie (Konrad), Sam, Sydney, Abigail, and Isabel; great-grandchildren Henry and Oliver; siblings Joan Aguilar and Doug (Joyce) Piehl; many more relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by parents Vernon and Leona, husband Gerald, and daughter-in-law Lisa.

Carolyn was born October 8, 1938, in Arlington, SD to parents Vernon and Leona Piehl, and lived in the greater Minneapolis area most of her life.  She was a successful salesperson in the men’s suits department at Dayton’s in downtown Minneapolis, while raising four sons who always kept her on her toes.  

She was a voracious reader and avid gardener.  She loved tending to her rose bushes and always had an affinity for sunflowers. Carolyn loved animals and always befriended any cats, birds, rabbits, and other little critters who crossed her path.  She was also a fantastic cook, loved to travel, and had an eye for interior design. 

Most of all, Carolyn loved her family. She was a wonderful mom and grandma, and would do anything for those she loved.  Her bright smile, infectious laugh, sarcastic humor, and tough love will be truly missed by all who knew her.

Burial service for Carolyn will be at Arlington Cemetery in Arlington, SD during Memorial Day weekend. Details TBD.