Helen JoAnn Kahl passed away on August 23rd at the age of eighty-eight. She was a resident of White Bear Lake, MN. Born on July 13, 1938 in Madison, WI, she was the loving daughter of H. Conrad and E. Margaret Hoyer. Much of her growing-up years were spent in the Chicago area, including Midlothian, IL, where she was confirmed at Hope Lutheran Church in 1951 and graduated from Bremen High School in 1955. She attended Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, where she pursued music, sang in the choir and earned her degree in Music Education in 1959. After graduation, she moved to White Bear Lake to teach music at Sunrise Junior High School. It is there that she met the love of her life, Bill (William) Kahl, and by June 1961 they were married. She spent much of the next stage of her life raising their five children: Maia, Heidi, Dan, David, and Amy. 

Helen’s passion for music, young people, and Christ shaped an incredibly fulfilling and impactful life. Beginning in 1960, Helen started her longtime membership and investment into First Lutheran Church (now Community of Grace). Helen served the music ministry at church in so many ways over the years. She was a lifelong Sanctuary Choir member, even after a paralyzed vocal chord limited her voice, and she filled in as an accompanist and director as needed. Helen also conducted the Carol and Chancel youth choirs for many years. She enriched their experiences by directing musicals and retreats. She chaperoned numerous Hope Anew (high school choir) tours and stepped in as director multiple times. She led the Smorgasbord singers, played handbells, and was an extraordinary accompanist, organist, and soloist for countless weddings, funerals, and special services - including her well-loved tradition of singing “Were You There” on Good Friday. 

Her musical passion and talent also extended beyond the church. Helen helped write, accompany, and ultimately direct the Central Follies, the original song and dance shows that gave hundreds of junior high students a voice up on the stage. She wrote and directed numerous 4-H Share-the-Fun shows and 4-H County Arts-Ins, and ultimately she became the musical and artistic director of the Minnesota 4-H State Arts-In, which meant twelve-hour days with three to four daily shows at the Minnesota State Fair. For many years, she accompanied the North St. Paul High School choir and, in that time, accompanied hundreds of students at high school musical contests. In the last season of her life, she found great joy and purpose playing for the weekly worship services at Cerenity Senior Care.

Throughout all the shows and concerts and accolades, her highest calling was being a mother and grandmother. She delighted in her family and showered them with love. Helen was dedicated to showing up whenever possible for her children’s recitals, games, concerts, and shows. This commitment continued for all eight of her grandchildren. She positively supported and encouraged this close group of cousins in any way she could. Nothing gave her more joy than hearing Erika, Emily, Krister, Isaiah, Evangeline, Jordan, Isabela, and William laughing and enjoying each other’s company. She took great pleasure hosting gatherings for church and family, always with extensive seasonal decorations. She also graciously offered housing on the lower level of her home to both family and many others who might be in need. Numerous families were blessed with Helen as a surrogate mother or grandmother by living in her downstairs apartment. Bringing people together was a priority for her, and she did it generously, especially if it meant she got to beat you in a game of cards.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband Bill Kahl, her parents Conrad and Margaret Hoyer, brother Gus Hoyer, sister Ruth Daniel, and infant grandson Joshua Sawyer. 

She is survived by her brothers Marc (Mia) Hoyer and Bernie (Fran) Hoyer, her children and grandchildren: Maia (Mark) Hendrickson, Heidi (Tim, Erika, Emily) Sawyer, Dan (Lissa, Isaiah, Jordan) Kahl, David (Kari, Krister, Isabela) Kahl, and Amy (Steve, Evangeline, William) Turnbull.

Celebration of Life service will be held at Community of Grace Lutheran Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5th; Visitation at 10:00 a.m., with luncheon to follow the service.

To honor Helen, memorial gifts may be designated to the Music Ministry Fund at Community of Grace Lutheran Church, 4000 Linden St., White Bear Lake, MN 55110.