Helga Amalie Schuschke

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Helga Amalie Schuschke, 87, Fargo, ND died on January 7, 2025 at Hospice House, surrounded by her family.

Helga was born on December 6, 1937, to Ole and Helga Olson in Langdon, ND. The youngest of ten children, she grew up in a bustling household full of laughter and love. She was baptized and confirmed in the Langdon Lutheran Church and graduated from Langdon High School in 1956. Helga had a deep passion for education and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Mayville State University. Her love of learning led her to Nashville, TN, where she achieved a Master of Library Science from Peabody College (now Vanderbilt University).

She went to work in the Bismarck/Mandan area as high school librarian for about 10 ten years during which time she met Dennis who was a teacher there. On July 25, 1971, she married the love of her life, Dennis Schuschke, of Lidgerwood, ND. Together, they built a life filled with love, faith, and family. The couple settled in Fargo, ND, where they raised their two sons, Mark and Donn.

In the late 80’s after spending time raising her boys, Helga began working at NDSU’s food and nutrition lab. Her efforts and dedication during that time led to her being one of the first recipients of the Mary McCannel Gunkelman Recognition Award in 1990.

After retiring in 2000, Helga and Dennis devoted much of their time to volunteering at United Blood Services (now Vitalant). They traveled over a quarter million miles, picking up and delivering blood from drives and hospitals, ensuring that life-saving donations reached those in need. Their dedication to this vital cause earned them the prestigious national Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 for their lifelong commitment to building a stronger nation through volunteer service. In addition, the couple remained active members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fargo, contributing to the community through their faith and service.

Helga was known for her warmth, hospitality, and exceptional baking skills. Her home was always filled with the comforting aroma of homemade cookies, bars, and other treats, which she lovingly shared with anyone who stopped by. Helga’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ole and Helga Olson, and all siblings and spouses, Andrew (Helen) Olson, Henry (Bernice) Olson, Erling (Anna Mae) Olson, Olin (Ethel) Olson, Lloyd (Elizabeth) Olson, Alda (Duane) Raeder, Hans (Anna) Olson, Ole (Marjorie) Olson, and June (Howard) Marsden.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Dennis; her two sons, Mark (Marnie) Schuschke of Grand Forks, ND, and Donn Schuschke of Fargo, ND; her cherished grandchildren, Porter and Zak; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A memorial service celebrating Helga’s life will be held on January 10, 2025 at 11am at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND, with visitation beginning one hour before the service. Burial will take place at the Fargo National Cemetery on Monday, January 13 at 9am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Helga’s honor may be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Vang Cemetery Fund, or Sanford Hospice House.