Helen M. Anderson

Helen's service may be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/event/2533467

Helen's tribute video can be viewed here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/5FXJ5RQPFQXPGSJ7

Helen Marie (Mattson) Anderson, long-time Fargo resident, died on August 11, 2022, at Eventide Care Center-Fargo, North Dakota. She was 100+ years old.

Helen was born November 17,1921, in Hoffman MN, the oldest child of Oscar J. Mattson and Emma A. Rathgeber. Her siblings were Gene Raymond Mattson (Corrine Johnson) and Marilyn A. Mattson Hill (John Hill). The family lived in Hankinson, ND during her early childhood, then moved back to Hoffman when her father purchased a grocery store following the Depression. The family joined the Swedish Lutheran Church of Hoffman where Helen “Read for the Minister” and was confirmed.

Helen was a good and talented student. In elementary school she won an American Legion art contest for her drawing of Betsy Ross. She also received a “Red Letter H” from her principal for excellent academic achievement (with much resentment from the boys’ athletic teams.) She graduated magna cum laude from Hoffman High School. Helen received her Associate Degree in teaching from St. Cloud State Teacher’s College. Then Helen returned to Hoffman, where she taught 2nd and 3rd Grade. Meanwhile, on December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was attacked which brought the United States into World War II.

In 1942, Helen married her high school sweetheart, Marvin T. Anderson. Marv enlisted in the U.S. Navy and left for 4 years in the South Pacific. Meanwhile, Helen stayed in Hoffman with her parents, and taught school until she gave birth to their first child, Judy. Then, Helen helped her parents at their store, cared for Judy, and her younger sister, “Mally.”

Following WWII in 1945, Marv, Helen, and Judy moved to Fargo, ND where Marv attended NDSU and received his Pharmacy degree and second daughter Dana was born in 1947. Marv joined Dakota Clinic and the family lived their lives in Fargo, which included the birth of a third daughter, Lisa, born in 1960. Helen and Marv joined Olivet Lutheran Church, where Helen was active for 77 years. Helen served her church in many capacities: as Sunday School teacher, as a Stephen Minister, in her Olivet Women’s Circle, and as a quilter, sending many handmade quilts and clothes overseas. Helen was a woman of great faith who lived her faith quietly.

Helen was also active in Fargo philanthropic organizations: She was a member of the Fargo Music and Fine Arts Club and Chapter AE, P.E.O. until her death. She was dedicated to supporting women’s education through scholarships and loans. Throughout her life, Helen exhibited her creative talents. She had a passion for art, music, sewing, gardening, and cooking. Her family’s lives were enhanced by all her creative efforts. Her legacy comes to us in paintings, quilts, poetry and music, gardening expertise, and countless recipes. She is also known for her loving kindness as a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to many. She was the best role model of living a life of generosity and hospitality.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband Marv, her parents, and siblings, and her son-in-law (Richard Pett). She is survived by her daughter, Judith F. Pett of Minneapolis, Dana K. Emery (John) of Detroit Lakes, and Lisa M. Anderson (Mark) of West Fargo. She is also loved and missed by eight grandchildren: Jennifer Emery Bock (Tom), Nicole Emery, Megan Emery; Heather Pett Taylor (Michael), Justin Pett (Kristin); Nicholas Helbling (Kelsey), Regan Helbling, and Aaron (Abby Langston) Helbling.

Helen has nine adoring great-grandchildren, grouped by age: Callan Bock, Anna Bock, Lucy Bock, John William Leff, Alexandra Taylor, Katherine Taylor, Alice Williams, Moira Taylor, Sawyer Helbling.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Olivet Lutheran Church, Fargo on Friday October 21, 2022. Visitation will begin at noon, the Memorial Service is at 1:00pm, followed by a time of sharing, food, and fellowship.