Helen Swore

Helen Flynn Isensee Swore, 90, of Chatfield passed away peacefully at Season’s Hospice House in Rochester on December 3, 2019.

Helen was born on December 13, 1928, in Osakis, Minn., to Katherine and Raymond Flynn. She graduated from Osakis High School and went on to earn her teaching degree from St. Catherine’s College in St. Paul, Minn. She taught English, speech and drama for two years in Plainview and two years in Chatfield, she then spent the next 34 years at Dover-Eyota High School until her retirement in 1986.

She married Lowell Isensee on June 18, 1955, and they had three children. He passed away on August 28, 1976. She married Melvin Swore on December 19, 1981, they enjoyed traveling together and spending time at their lake home in Cross Lake, Minn. She later married Gene Blatz on May 15, 1999; together they continued to travel and enjoy the lake.

Helen was very proud of her Irish heritage, and she would show it any way she could, via her wardrobe, home décor and her annual St. Patrick’s Day Party.  Having the opportunity to travel to Ireland twice in her lifetime was very meaningful to Helen.  An avid golfer her entire life, Helen was a longtime member of Crosswoods and 50 Lakes Golf courses near her lake home in Cross Lake, Minn.  Helen enjoyed her retirement years to the fullest by remaining active in church activities in both Cross Lake and Bella Vista, Ark.  She was a founding member of a singles group for older adults in Bella Vista and loved being the monthly activities coordinator.  Helen loved to entertain and hosted annual Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day parties with her Bella Vista friends.  Helen remained active by playing bridge, getting together with the Red Hat Ladies, swimming and boating.  Helen loved being at her lake home in Cross Lake, hearing the loons sing, going out for pontoon rides, swimming and watching the sunset during the summer months.

She is survived by her daughter Lori (Roger) Sorenson of Rochester, sons L. Butch (Brenda) Isensee and Lanny (Kathy) Isensee of Chatfield; seven grandchildren: Jennifer Sullivan, Sean Sorenson, Nicole Williamson, Erin Isensee, Luke Isensee, Paige Isensee and Shelby Isensee; six great-grandchildren: Trevor, Kyle, Alexa Sorenson; Connor Sullivan, Paisley and Isla Williamson; and brother Richard (Dick) Flynn.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Lowell Isensee, Melvin Swore and Gene Blatz; sisters Mary Frisvold, Kathleen Flynn and brother Alvin (Pat) Flynn; and two great-grandchildren, Piper and Tate Williamson.

A special thank you to Home Instead staff, (especially Vicki and Lynn), which allowed Helen to stay active in her own home the last few years and Season’s Hospice for their compassion and comfort during her last days.

A funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Saturday December 14 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Chatfield. Officiating will be Father Edward McGrath. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be Friday, December 13, 5-7 p.m. at Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield and one hour before Mass on Saturday at the church. Helen would like everyone to wear green in honor of her Irish heritage.

Memorials are preferred to Seasons Hospice in Rochester, Minn.