To view a recording of the service access: https://www.mtmsales.net/thomas
To view the flowers from Dorothy’s service, click here: Dorothy Helseth Flowers
Dorothy Helseth, 94, a longtime resident of Columbus, ND, passed away peacefully Thursday morning with her family gathered by her side.
A native of Columbus, Dorothy and her husband, Wallen, farmed in Leaf Mountain Township south of Columbus where they lived for nearly 70 years. Following Wallen’s death in 2013, Dorothy moved to Minot. She continued to call the farm home and return to it as often as she could.
Born Nov. 21, 1927, to Ole and Myrtle Hagen of Columbus, Dorothy attended school until 8th grade as was customary at that time. She was the primary caregiver for three younger siblings until her marriage to Wallen Helseth June 8, 1944, at age 16. Together, they raised five children: Robert, Barry, Kurt, Patti and Roger.
While she still had young children at home, Dorothy and two neighbor women started and led a 4-H Club that included their children and other neighborhood children. In addition to using her sewing and handiwork skills there, she also made quilts for all her children and grandchildren through the years. She was a woman of many interests. She enjoyed doing embroidery, cross stitching and ceramics. She and Wallen were both avid card players. In addition to many impromptu games with neighbors, they played in regional whist and pinochle tournaments.
Dorothy was a master in the kitchen. She excelled at cooking and made large noon meals where she expected every family member to gather on time to eat together. Coffee time was at 4 p.m. and there were always homemade doughnuts, pie, or cookies on the table. She was known in the community for her baking skills, particularly apple pies from scratch and what she jokingly termed her funeral cupcakes. She brought those cupcakes for almost every funeral at Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus where she was a member. She was very active in the Church Circle and women’s quilting group there. A woman of quiet faith, her life spoke volumes in how she lived her life loving and laughing with family and friends and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Dorothy especially enjoyed being a grandma and after school caregiver for her grandchildren, Lindsay and Erik, who got off the school bus at the farm for several years. At the time, their son Roger had joined the farm operation and his wife, LoraLee worked 35 miles away from the farm.
Survivors include Robert (Laures), Tioga; Barry (Candice), Minot; Patti (Keith) Denzler, Sheridan WY; Roger (Roberta), Powers Lake; Lori (Kurt) Helseth, Minot; grandchildren, Ryan (Maggie) Helseth, Denver, CO; Amy (Justin) Troutt, Glendale, AZ; Kayla (Brandon) Voller, Lonetree, CO; Aaron (Amanda Frick) Denzler, Charleston, SC; Lindsay (Blake) Lehman, Columbus; Todd (Jackie) Helseth, Phoenix, AZ; Kari (Karl) Sprentall, Woburn, MA; Nick and Keilani Rystedt, Powers Lake; 9 great-grandchildren and soon-to-be-born twins; sister, Marlyne (Duane) Erickson, Rugby; sister-in-law, Benita Helseth, Lake Stevens, WA; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding Dorothy in death were her husband Wallen, son Kurt, grandson Erik Helseth, and brothers Denny and Landis.
The family extends its thanks to ProHealth Assisted Living in Minot where Dorothy lived most recently. Staff and residents there loved Dorothy’s quick wit, appreciative nature, funeral cupcakes and the story behind them. Dorothy had a special relationship with owner Judy Hoff and staff member Rose Gossan who called Dorothy their “whoop-de-do” lady in reference to one of Dorothy’s favorite expressions.
The funeral will be Tuesday at 11 a.m., Trinity Lutheran Church in Columbus. Pastor Janet Gwin will officiate. In Dorothy’s honor, funeral cupcakes will be served. To view a recording of the service access: https://www.mtmsales.net/thomas
A family service will be held Monday at 7 p.m. at the church with visitation beginning at 6 p.m. Interment will be at Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery south of Columbus. Thomas Funeral Home, Minot, is handling arrangements. Memorials are preferred to the Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund.
