Helen Alida Ostenson passed away unexpectedly on February 4, 2023, surrounded lovingly by her brothers & sisters.

She was born on June 1, 1959, at Kanabec County Hospital in Mora, Minnesota to Emerald & Mildred Ostenson of Peace Township. She was baptized into the Lutheran faith at Calvary Lutheran Church in Mora on July 19, 1959, attended Sunday School, and was confirmed on June 2, 1974.

Helen attended elementary school in the one-room Emerson Country School in Peace Township through the 4th grade, and then attended her remaining elementary years at Fairview Elementary school in Mora. She went on to graduate from Mora High School in 1977.

Helen was an incredibly hard worker. As a young girl, she worked hard helping on the family farm north of Mora. Her dedicated life's work was as a caregiver as a nursing assistant. She started at Martins Nursing Home in Mora at the age of 16. After Martins was sold, she transferred to the Sunshine Villa Nursing Home which was later changed to St. Clair Living Community, where she worked for over 40 years. She was loved dearly by the residents and would often be scolded for taking time off as they loved her so much and missed her while she was away.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents Emerald and Mildred Ostenson, godparents Virgil Anderson and Mamie Mortenson, her grandparents, many aunts and uncles, 2 brothers-in-law, and her oldest brother Jimmy who recently passed away last summer.

Helen is survived by those who loved her including six sisters & brothers: Debbie Haavisto of Pine City, Kenneth (Connie) Ostenson of Mora, John Ostenson of Mora, Joy Lewis of Mora, Karrie (Robert) Letich of Mound, & David Ostenson of Mora, her aunt Bette Anderson of Mora, many nieces and nephews, two of which were her godchildren, grandnieces/nephews, as well as many cousins, and many dear friends.

Helen lived on the family farm with her brothers, David and Johnny. Although none of them ever married - together they made their own little family unit. She worked hard on the farm her entire life.

Helen's needs in life were simple. Although she didn't have much, she was extremely generous with what she had. She was a kind and gentle soul with a heart of gold. She was extremely shy, but around those closest to her she had a lot to say. She loved her family and enjoyed whenever the family could be together. Helen was very close to her parents and was heartbroken when they passed away.

Although she never had any of her own, she adored babies and children. She showered her nieces and nephews with undivided attention, love, and gifts.

She also loved animals and was especially attached to her dogs and cats, and in particular, her little dog Snoopy. She will be missed terribly by those she's left behind.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2023, from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Methven – Dresser Funeral Home in Mora, Minnesota. The funeral service will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church in Mora, Minnesota on Friday, February 24, 2023, at 11:00 am, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am.