Obituary of Helen Jean Bylund

Helen J. Bylund, age 91, of Minnetonka, passed away at home with family present on

Sunday, April 30, 2023. Helen (nee Kolbo) was born on October 2, 1931, to Henry and Helen (Lukman) Kolbo in Bowbells, North Dakota. Their farm was just a few miles away from the Canadian border. At the time of her birth, the doctor had to be summoned by horseback as there were no phones and very few cars. Both sets of grandparents were homesteaders in the late 1800’s after the Homestead Act passed in 1862. Helen experienced two worlds while growing up during the Great Depression. One was a bustling metropolis and the other a small town about 30 years behind the times with no electricity. Helen experienced frequent moves within the metro area of Minneapolis.

She graduated from Southwest High School in 1948. She then attended the University of Minnesota and became a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. This is where she met the love of her life, Richard (Dick) Bylund. They were involved in many campus activities and loved to dance. Helen then graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology. Dick and Helen married in August of 1952. Helen worked until their two children came along then she became a "stay-at-home" mom. Here is where her heart was, raising children by her side. They were married for 67 years. Helen loved music, art, literature, history and theater.

She often made other people laugh, with her wit and charm. Helen was a gourmet cook and hosted many dinner parties. Helen also traveled around the greater United States. She was a former president of West Suburban Women's Club. She was active in their book club, fundraising, and was their financial manager. She was one of the three founders of the Hennepin County Alliance of the Mentally Ill. Serving and supporting the community was her passion.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Bylund. She is survived by her daughter, Jody Bylund, and son, Eric Bylund, her grandchildren, Katie (Olson) Tompkins (Forrest), and Jacob Olson, and great-grandchild, Lincoln W. Tompkins (18 mo). Helen Jean's Celebration of Life will be held at All Saints Lutheran Church 15915 Excelsior Blvd. Minnetonka, MN 55345 on Thursday, May 11th, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. Visitation at 11:00 A.M. Service with lunch following. Go to www.cremationsocietyofmn.com for a copy of this obituary and guestbook.