Helen Mary Haugen, surrounded by her family, was released to her Lord and Savior Wednesday afternoon, October 30, 2024. She was residing at Park Lane Estates in Preston, Minn., where she received extraordinary, loving care for the past several years. Her family will be forever thankful for the excellent care she received.
Helen was born December 20, 1926, in Arcadia, Calif., to Jens and Mary Bakke. She graduated from George Washington High School in Los Angeles, Calif. She attended Pacific Lutheran College in Tacoma, Wash. She married Arden Bremseth from Lanesboro, Minn., on August 20, 1946, at Elstad Church in Highland, Minn. They returned to Los Angeles after they were married, for Arden’s work. They returned to Lanesboro to farm in 1948 where they raised four children. Arden passed away in 1971. Helen was married to Lenard Pfister in 1974, and he passed in 1976. During this time, she worked at various law offices as a paralegal. She then married Paul Gardner in 1980 and they later divorced. She married Alvin Haugen in 1986 in Caledonia, Minn. Alvin passed away in 2000.
She was a charter member of Christ Lutheran Church where she was involved in teaching, quilting, a member of the church choir and active in many committees. She was also involved in the sewing club and the Red Hat club and loved playing Bridge with her friends. Her family and friends were the light of her life.
Helen is survived by her four children: Susan (Gary) McNear from Fort Myer, Fla., Carol (Bob) Solberg from North Liberty, Iowa, Tim (Roseann) Bremseth from LeHigh Acres, Fla., and Mark (Jill) Bremseth from Woodbury, Minn.; as well as nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents Jens and Mary, her husband Arden, infant son Daniel, two sisters, Edith (Dick) Mason and Margaret Bauer; and brother John Bakke.
A memorial service for Helen will be held at 1 p.m., on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Christ Lutheran Church in Preston, Minn., with Pastor Kris Hertsgaard Kincaid officiating. Visitation will be from 12-1 p.m., prior to the start of the service. Helen will be laid to rest next to her husband Arden, at Crown Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to St. Croix Hospice or Christ Lutheran Church, Preston, Minn.