Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, age 87, passed away peacefully on February 23rd, with her daughters at her side, surrounded with love.

A small-town girl through and through, she was born and raised in Winsted, Minnesota, and lived most of her life just down the road in Howard Lake. Those roots mattered deeply to her. Family was always at the very top of her list, and her many friends were treated no differently — once you were in her circle, you were family.

She devoted herself first and foremost to her home and children. With iron in hand and faith in heart, she raised her four children by steady, faithful example. Her life spoke louder than words — kindness, resilience, devotion, and trust in God marked her days. Her bright disposition and strong faith carried her through life’s darkest valleys, and anyone who knew her could count on being greeted with her warm smile.

She was the baker and decorator behind countless wedding, graduation, confirmation, and birthday cakes throughout the area. Her raspberry cake and square cupcakes became family legends — requested, anticipated, and savored at gatherings year after year.

After raising her family, she began working at LifeUSA/Allianz, commuting to the Twin Cities where she formed another cherished circle of friends among her coworkers. No matter the season of life, she had a gift for building lasting relationships.

Her sense of humor shone at just the right moments. She never forgot a punch line and often delivered joy through song — around a backyard fire, on the pontoon, or during a family happy hour. Laughter followed her, and she gave it generously.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ella and Tony; her husband, Gordy; her grandson, Elliot; her brothers Bob and Reuben and Reuben’s spouse Leta; her sister Yvonne; her sister-in-law Karen and her spouse John; her brothers-in-law Jim and Sam.

She is lovingly survived by her daughters and their spouses, Julie and Rhett, Sandy and Kevin, Toni and Jay; her son Bob; eleven grandchildren and their families, including eighteen great-grandchildren; her sisters Janice (Dale) and LouAnn; brother-in-law Jim; her sisters-in-law Sharon (Rick), Ruthie, Lorie, and Lois (Steve); and many cherished nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held outdoors at Sandy and Kevin Wolfley’s residence, 2565 2nd St., White Bear Lake, MN 55110 at 3:00 pm on Mother’s Day, May 10th. Rain or shine! It will be a loving celebration of our dear mother — and of all the mothers within our circle of family and friends whose love shapes generations.

Helen’s life was a quiet testimony to the greatness of God. We take comfort in knowing that the one who so often lifted her voice in song — especially in the beloved hymn “How Great Thou Art” — now beholds her Savior face to face. As the hymn proclaims, “Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee, how great Thou art!” Her soul now sings in fullness of joy, held forever in the presence of the Lord she loved.