1931
Helen
2006
Helen Vangsness
April 11, 1931 — April 19, 2006
Helen was born on April 11, 1931 in Graceville, MN to parents Edward and Ethel (O'Connell) Larkin. She attended St. Mary's Academy in Graceville and graduation in 1949. Helen was united in marriage to Herman Vangsness on February 14, 1950. To this union were born eight children: Bill, Susan, Nancy, Karen, Deb, Joan, Gail, and Steve. Helen was a homemaker until 1968 when she and her husband, Herman purchased the V-Store in Graceville, while they operated until 1979. Later on, Helen worked as a respiratory therapist at the Graceville Hospital.
Helen was a life long member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville, where she was baptized, confirmed, and also married. Her deep faith and prayer were a very important part of her life. She will always be remembered as a great listener, with a positive outlook and a kind, patient heart.
Sewing and baking were Helen's passion. She loved sharing her baked goods. Her family always looked forward to receiving her personalized gifts, which they knew were made with love. All of her children, their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren were made to feel special, and she never forgot a birthday or anniversary. She loved being at home. The dogs she had over the years gave her great enjoyment.
Helen passed away at the Ortonville Hospital on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 in Ortonville, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Ethel Larkin, one brother, Edward Larkin, and two sisters, Phyllis (Dode) Montonye and Ruth Dwyer.
Helen is survived by her husband, Herman; two sons, Bill (Diane) Vangsness of Okabena, MN, and Steve (Lynn) Vangsness of Plattsmouth, NE; six daughters, Susan (Phil) Broussard of St. Paul, MN; Nancy (Rick) Malay of Faribault, MN; Karen (Keith) Stroman of Alberta, MN; Deb (Dave) Ammerman of Graceville, MN; Joan (Chuck) Homan of Beardsley, MN; and Gail (Royce) Wellendorf of Ortonville, MN.
She is also survived by twenty-one grandchildren: Mike, Kelly and Jane Vangsness; Gretchen (Roee), Noah (Michelle), and Rhiannon Broussard; Jordan (Maria), Zachary, and Brett Malay; Joey and Charlie Stroman; Alexis (Dustin) Johnson, Brooke Ammerman; Casey, Chantal and Lance Homan; Travis and Troy Wellendorf; Ashley, Amanda and Brittany Vangsness; four great-grandchildren, Hunter and Aurora Johnson, and Larkin and Bennett Vangsness.
Other relatives include: cousin, Patricia (Jerry) Kunz; brother-in-laws, Bud (Dorothy) Vangsness; Jack Montonye; and Wilber (Mary Lou) Sherod; sister-in-law; Lucille Vangsness; and many nieces and nephews.
Helen was a life long member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville, where she was baptized, confirmed, and also married. Her deep faith and prayer were a very important part of her life. She will always be remembered as a great listener, with a positive outlook and a kind, patient heart.
Sewing and baking were Helen's passion. She loved sharing her baked goods. Her family always looked forward to receiving her personalized gifts, which they knew were made with love. All of her children, their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren were made to feel special, and she never forgot a birthday or anniversary. She loved being at home. The dogs she had over the years gave her great enjoyment.
Helen passed away at the Ortonville Hospital on Wednesday, April 19, 2006 in Ortonville, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Ethel Larkin, one brother, Edward Larkin, and two sisters, Phyllis (Dode) Montonye and Ruth Dwyer.
Helen is survived by her husband, Herman; two sons, Bill (Diane) Vangsness of Okabena, MN, and Steve (Lynn) Vangsness of Plattsmouth, NE; six daughters, Susan (Phil) Broussard of St. Paul, MN; Nancy (Rick) Malay of Faribault, MN; Karen (Keith) Stroman of Alberta, MN; Deb (Dave) Ammerman of Graceville, MN; Joan (Chuck) Homan of Beardsley, MN; and Gail (Royce) Wellendorf of Ortonville, MN.
She is also survived by twenty-one grandchildren: Mike, Kelly and Jane Vangsness; Gretchen (Roee), Noah (Michelle), and Rhiannon Broussard; Jordan (Maria), Zachary, and Brett Malay; Joey and Charlie Stroman; Alexis (Dustin) Johnson, Brooke Ammerman; Casey, Chantal and Lance Homan; Travis and Troy Wellendorf; Ashley, Amanda and Brittany Vangsness; four great-grandchildren, Hunter and Aurora Johnson, and Larkin and Bennett Vangsness.
Other relatives include: cousin, Patricia (Jerry) Kunz; brother-in-laws, Bud (Dorothy) Vangsness; Jack Montonye; and Wilber (Mary Lou) Sherod; sister-in-law; Lucille Vangsness; and many nieces and nephews.