Helen Geneva Larson, age 91, passed away April 21, 2026, at the Tweeten Care Center in Spring Grove, Minn. She was born July 18, 1934, to Olaf and Stella Johnson in Blackhammer Township in the old town hall, delivered by her grandmother Gena. She was baptized and confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in Blackhammer, Minn. Helen attended various country schools in the area and often told that she could only speak Norwegian when she first started grade school. In 1953 she married Norman Opsahl and they later divorced. In 1960 she married Harold Larson and they farmed together north of Mabel, Minn. Helen worked both on and off the farm. She was hard working and always liked to stay busy. She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, sewing and helping others. She particularly enjoyed hosting family dinners and feeding anyone that entered the door. She had a special way with her great-grandchildren, always ending up to be their best friend. She will be remembered for her quick wit and humor, oftentimes catching people off guard with her wit.
Helen is survived by her three children; Diane (John) Delong of Lansing, Iowa, Dale Opsahl of Caledonia, Minn., and Darlene Larson (Mark Sollien) of Decorah, Iowa; grandchildren Ricky Ferring, Darci Baumann-Fern, Dariel Opsahl, Dylan (Brock Ewing) Opsahl, Jerry (Rachael) Hammel and Jill (Josh)Mitchell; great-grandchildren Jacob, Carson, Chloe, Ava, Evan and Isaac; brother Owen Johnson of Spring Grove, sisters-in-law Joyce Johnson of Spring Grove, and Marcia Larson of Mabel, Minn., and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter-in-law Doreen Opsahl, grandchild Ronnie Ferring, brother Leland Johnson, sisters-in-law Bonnie Johnson, Berneice Garness, Helen Beaman, Marie Betsinger, and Norma Spitzmiller; brothers-in-law Leslie Larson, Leland Larson and Richard Larson.
Funeral service will be held Monday, April 27, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Mabel First Lutheran Church, Mabel, Minn., with visitation one hour prior to service at the church. The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.
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