Gladys Phyllis Helberg

Funeral services for Gladys Helberg of Morris, MN will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Morris, with Reverend Wayne Kopitzke officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the church. 

Gladys Phyllis Smith Helberg was born on August 17, 1922, on a farm near Donnelly, Minnesota, in Stevens County. She was the eighth of ten children born to Frank and Sophie (Ryburg) Smith. She was baptized and later reaffirmed her faith through Confirmation at John’s Lutheran Church in Donnelly, a faith that would guide her throughout her life.

Gladys received her diploma from School District 33. On March 5, 1941, she married Roy Orville Helberg at her parents’ farm. Together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and hard work. They were blessed with three children: Beverly, Linda, and Daniel.

Roy and Gladys farmed together in Pope and Stevens Counties, working side by side as a farm family. Gladys was known for her strong work ethic and her servant heart. She was active at Aeneas Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, participated in women’s circle, and shared her gifts generously. She was also deeply involved in 4-H as a leader and mentor, always encouraging young people.

Gladys and Roy enjoyed making country crafts together and sold their creations at countless craft sales. Later, Gladys was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Hoffman and most recently attended Faith Lutheran Church in Morris.

Above all else, Gladys had a gift for making people feel welcome and at home. Her kitchen was often filled with the smell of fresh bread and cookies, lovingly baked and freely shared. She loved playing cards and was a great competitor—sharp, attentive, and always ready for a good game. Gladys had a sharp and curious mind, able to recall vivid stories from her childhood, which she delighted in sharing with family and friends. Whether through a meal, a kind word, or quiet service, she made others feel comfortable, valued, and loved.

Gladys passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at the age of 103 and a half years. She will be deeply missed by her daughters, Beverly McNeill of Morris and Linda Helberg of Rochester; her grandchildren, Deb (Jay) Hutson; Melissa (Nick) Persing; Brian (Julie) McNeill; Gary (Kristin) McNeill; Tanya (Shawn) Ange; and Joshua (Heather) Helberg; 15 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and many other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Roy, her son Daniel, her son-in-law John, her parents, two sisters, six brothers, and one great-granddaughter, Christine.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to those who cared for Gladys with compassion and kindness at Skyview Plaza, Hospice, Faith Lutheran Church, and family and friends. Memorials are preferred to Aeneas Lutheran Cemetery in rural Kensington. Burial will take place at Aeneas Lutheran Cemetery.

Pedersen Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements for Gladys.