Helen Hovend

Helen Loraine Tolstad, daughter of Martin and Marie (Swenson) Tolstad, was born September 30, 1914 in Starbuck, Minnesota. As a child, she followed her dad, who was a Civil Engineer, to build bridges in Montana and Kansas. At a young age, her family moved to Starbuck where she graduated from Starbuck High School in 1933. Following her schooling, she moved to Minneapolis, where she worked as a secretary. She met and dated Francis "Bud" Hovend before WWII and the couple was married on April 10, 1948 in Glenwood. Although Bud and Helen never had children, they always had an open door to spoil nieces and nephews. They always had a dog to go hunting, fishing and traveling with. Although an active volunteer, for many years she was home everyday at 11:15 to feed Bud lunch. They were married 52 years. Bud died in 2000 and Helen remained in her home in Morris until January, 2006, when she moved to the West Wind Village.



Helen was a member of the "Friendly Janes" Homemaker Group. She was a founding member of the American Legion Post #29 Auxiliary and was a member for 56 years. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, crocheting, making wool braided rugs, fishing, hunting, volunteering and was an avid reader. She especially enjoyed the time she spent with family and friends.



Helen died on Monday, May 1, 2006 at the West Wind Village in Morris, having lived to reach the age of 91 years.



She is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.