Helen Johnson

Helen Johnson, age 85, of Pelican Rapids, MN, died Thursday, March 5, 2015 at the Pelican Valley Health Center in Pelican Rapids.Helen Lucille Toftely was born on July 26, 1929 in Pelican Rapids the daughter of Edwin and Bertha (Erickson) Toftely. She was baptized and confirmed at the First Congregational United Church of Christ Church in Pelican Rapids. Helen graduated from Pelican Rapids High School in 1947. On June 27, 1951 Helen was united with Kenneth "Kenny" Johnson at the First Congregational United Church of Christ Church in Pelican Rapids. Helen was a homemaker and raised her two daughters, Sandra and Susan. Kenny died on February 24, 2008. In November of 2012 she moved into the Riverfront on Main in Pelican Rapids. Helen was a very active member at Grove Lake Lutheran Church being their church organist for almost 50 years, Sunday School teacher for 26 years, and former treasurer for ladies aid. She enjoyed bowling, working with ceramics, delivering Meals On Wheels, and playing piano for Rotary. She was a great cook and had to have jello for most meals. Helen was a loving caregiver taking care of friends and family when they became ill. She was known as Auntie Helen to her friends and family.Helen is survived by her two daughters: Sandra Tingelstad and Susan Johnson, both Pelican Rapids; 2 grandchildren: Tina Anderson and Gabriel Johnson; 2 great-grandchildren: Brittany Anderson and Payton Anderson; sister, Bernita Darveaux, Alexandria; sister-in-law, Doris Toftely, Buffalo; and numerous nieces and nephews.She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Kenny, son-in-law, Roger Tingelstad, brothers: Maurice, Clarence, and Ole; sisters: Norma Anderson and Ethel Hanen; and her Boston Terriers: Tina, Yenta and Chloe.Memorials preferred to Grove Lake Memorial Fund.Visitation: Sunday, March 8, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Larson Funeral Home, Pelican Rapids, MN. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.Service: 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 9, 2015 at Grove Lake Lutheran Church, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota.Clergy: Pastor Jeff McCrackenBurial: Grove Lake CemeteryOrganist: Dan AndersonSoloist: Darwin JohnsonQuartet: Boxelder Boys, Dale Rengstorf, Wayne Bakken, Wes Hagen, Edward AndersonPallbearers: Payton Anderson, David Johnson, Bradley Johnson, Gabriel Johnson, Loren Seifert, Mike Hanen-Smith, Bruce TorgersonFuneral Home:Larson Funeral Home304 3rd Street S.E.Pelican Rapids, MNUS 56572