Kay M. Helland, 83, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2024, at her daughter Holly’s home in Marietta, Ga., where she had been living for the past seven years. Kay was born on May 23, 1940, to Vernon and Orilee (Nelson) Kleimenhagen in Preston, Minn. She graduated from Preston High School and just last year, they celebrated their 65th high school reunion and, although she could not attend, she loved her commemorative mug and hearing all about the reunion. She went on to work for IBM for 25-plus years, living many years in Byron, Minn., and working at the IBM plant in Rochester. She then transferred with IBM to Boca Raton, Fla., where she worked as a manager until retiring. Upon retiring, she moved to Evansville, Ind., to spend more time with her beloved sister Yvonne.
One of Kay’s favorite pastimes was doing jigsaw puzzles. She also loved crossword puzzles and looked forward every day to the crosswords in the daily newspapers. She was also an excellent baker and loved baking for others. She also enjoyed her weekly phone calls with her cousin Harriet, who also grew up in Preston, Minn., before moving to Hawaii, so they always had a lot to talk about.
Kay’s children and grandchildren meant the world to her, as well as her granddog Bailey, with whom she spent many afternoons out on the deck, enjoying the sun and the birds singing.
She is survived by her daughters Holly Helland, of Marietta, Ga., and Dr. Karen Helland; and grandchildren Mikayla and Ryan, of Dunwoody, Ga.
She was preceded in death by her brother Verdon, sister Yvonne, and daughter Mara.
If you wish, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in her honor.