Helen Mae Arlene Laaveg

Helen Mae Arlene Laaveg, age 91 of Park River passed away Saturday, January 12, 2013 at the First Care Health Center of Park River. Helen Mae Arlene Klungness was born May 29, 1921 in Minneapolis, MN, the daughter of the late Halvor and Rose (Markholt) Klungness. She spent her childhood in Dundee Township, Edinburg and Grafton. She graduated from the Walsh County Agricultural School, Park River in 1938. She then graduated and received her diploma from Deaconess Hospital in 1942. After she received her R.N., Helen joined the Navy Nurse Corp. She served from 1942-1946 at the San Diego Naval Hospital. Helen was united in marriage to Joseph Laaveg September 1, 1947 at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Edinburg. The couple lived and farmed in Vernon Township until 1984 when they moved into Park River. Helen started working for the Lutheran Sunset Home in 1965. In July 1976 she began working for the Park River Good Samaritan Center, retiring in 1992. Joseph died January 14, 2005. In 2009 Helen was able to participate with the Honor Flight. In January 2011 Helen moved to the Good Samaritan Apartments, where she resided until the time of her death. She was a member of the Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, WELCA, was a circle member, went to quilting day, volunteered with the church and helped with devotions. She was a member of the Bosh-Ryba American Legion post #157. Helen is survived by her children: Kathy McCue, Grand Forks, ND; David Laaveg, Park River, ND; Mary (Kent) Ralston, Dahlen, ND; daughter-in-law: Sharon Laaveg, Park River, ND; eight grandchildren: Scott (Darla) Laaveg, Steven (Teresa) Laaveg, Blaine (Kayla) Laaveg, Amy (Pat) McCue-Cottrill, Shelly McCue, Josh, Tressta and Katelyn Ralston and six great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was the last survivor of her immediate family. She was preceded in death by her husband Joe Laaveg, son-in-law Patrick McCue, parents, brother Harris Klungness, brothers and sisters-in-law: Willie (Josephine) Laaveg, Oscar (V.) Laaveg and Linnea (Jack) McCaffrey. Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 10:30 AM at the Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, Park River. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Park River. Friends may call at the church on Wednesday for one hour prior to the service.