Helen Irene Folkvord

Helen Irene (Umland) Folkvord was born September 6, 1929 on a family farm outside of Verndale, Minnesota. She was the eldest child born to Herbert Umland and Ella Anna Marie (Walter) Umland who ran a small dairy farm. Along with her brother Donald Wayne and sister Beverly Ann they lived through the depression, never wanting for food as the farm always provided. Helen was raised to work hard, milking cows before truly walking through the snow to school. She attended and graduated Verndale High School in 1947 and worked at the Wadena Clinic. Along with her good friend Muriel they lived and played in the Wadena area. She met her future husband at the Wadena Country Club when after a day of riding at the rodeo his friends dared him to ask her to dance. She married Harry Bernard Folkvord on February 16, 1957 at Bartlett Lutheran Church and honeymooned in Duluth in the middle of winter! They moved first to Miles City, Montana where twins David Wayne and Duane Bryan were born. A few months later they moved to Livingston and shortly after they located to Minneapolis, Minnesota for a year where daughter Joy Marie was born. A year later, living now in Great Falls, Montana, son Daniel Lynn was born. A few years later, shortly after moving to Helena, Montana youngest daughter Julie Ann was born. While in Helena, she raised her own children, provided day care to the neighborhood, volunteering at church and keeping everything organized. After moving to Denver she went to work for May D&F as a sales clerk and was the go to person in the men’s department for finding the perfect tie and shirt combination. She continued to volunteer at church and keep everything organized while learning to golf, cross country ski and keep active. After retiring she and Harry moved to Sun Lakes Arizona, enjoying sunshine, golf and meeting many new friends. Summers were spent traveling between Colorado, Minnesota, and Montana visiting friends, family, children and grandchildren. When travel became difficult she continued to welcome family and friends to Sun Lakes with great meals and a warm heart. Helen passed away on March 13, 2019 after a brief illness at 89. She left this earth willingly going home to her Lord and rests in the blessed hands of God. A Celebration of Life will be held May 6, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Risen Savior Lutheran Church, 2914 S. Alma School Rd, Chandler, Arizona In lieu of flowers memorials can be given to: Risen Savior Lutheran Church Neighbors Who Care (www.neighborswhocare.com) Lutheran Hour Ministries Charity of your choice