May 16, 2012

Lucille Helseth

Lucille Theoline Anderson Helseth, age 94, died peacefully at Mt. Olivet Careview Home in Minneapolis, on April 30, 2012. A memorial service was held in Minneapolis, Sat., May 5.
She was born Oct. 3, 1917, the third of six children of Anton and Thea Anderson, in Berg, ND. She received a two year teaching degree from Minot State Teachers’ College in 1937, and taught in rural one-room schools. She then married Lloyd Helseth in 1942. They moved to Minneapolis, and later Richfield, where they raised their family. Lucille returned to the classroom, teaching first and second grade at Elliot School in Richfield for many years. One of her proudest accomplishments was her graduation from the University of Minnesota with a BS in elementary education in August of 1964, a degree earned one course at a time in night and summer school classes. Her goal, to graduate from college before any of her children, was met. Lucille and Lloyd so valued the importance of a college education that they made it a priority in the lives of their children.
She will be remembered for many things, her hardanger projects, her prolific cookie-making and letter-writing and most of all her kindness and thoughtfulness to everyone she met. Lucille’s love and care for family, friends, and caregivers sowed blessings that continue to ripple all around.
She is survived by her children, Jean (Jon) Albrightson, of Minneapolis; Judith (Doug) Blanchard, of Houston, Texas, Dennis (Sandra) Helseth, of Elbow Lake, Minn.; grandchildren, Kristofer Albrightson, Lucy Albrightson, Andy Blanchard, Sara Blanchard Petchey, Jason Helseth and Jessica Helseth Engelstad; sisters, Phyllis Ufer and Alice Olsen and brother, Gerald Anderson.
She is preceded in death by Lloyd, her husband of 64 years; her sister, Margaret Rice, and brother, Melvin Anderson.

WATFORD CITY WEATHER