Helen Jennie Arildsen

Helen Jennie Arildsen 84, of Sebeka went to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday, February 8, 2011 at Tri-County Hospital in Wadena, MN. Helen was born April 2, 1926 in Meadow Township, Wadena County, to Andrew and Jennie Samuelson Torkkola. She attended country school through the eighth grade, and then the family moved to Sebeka where she attended high school. She was united in marriage to Edwin Johnson on Sept. 11, 1943 to which a daughter was born two days before his death in 1944 of rheumatic fever. In 1947 she was united in marriage to Norman Arildsen. They were blessed with three daughters and one son. They made Sebeka their home for 45 years until his death in 1992. She continued to live in Sebeka until her illness that took her to Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena. Helen was an active member, and for many years Treasurer, of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Sebeka. She was a homemaker and employed by various area business throughout her years. She enjoyed spending time with friends and family. Her spare time was filled by tending her plants and gardens, crocheting afghans and playing cards with her lady friends. Helen is survived by four daughters, Sharon Kragh and her husband Richard of Naperville, IL; Carol Sieben and her husband Dennis of Otsego, MN; Dorothy Byer and her husband Richard of Perham, MN; Laura Kimball and her husband Glenn of Sebeka, MN; one son, Lyle Arildsen and his wife Becky of Bufford, GA; twenty-five Grandchildren, fifty-one Great Grandchildren, two Great Great Grandchildren. Her parents, two husbands and several step brothers and sisters preceded her in death. Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM Sunday, February 13, 2011 at the Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka, MN and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, February 14, 2011 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Sebeka with Pastor Mark Manning officiating. Vickie Paurus will serve as organist. Congregational hymns will be “How Great Thou Art,” “I Know that My Redeemer Lives,” “Softly and Tenderly” and “Borning Cry.” Active Casketbearers include Jeffrey Kragh, Thomas Wikman, Bradley Wikman, Joshua Kimball, Andy Arildsen, David Burdorf, and Michael Burdorf. Interment will be at Sebeka West Cemetery.