Helen Frances Anderson, age 81 of Walnut Grove, passed away Friday, April 28, 2023 at Valley View Manor in Lamberton due to COPD and dementia. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 5, 2023 at English Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 4 at Walnut Grove Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:45 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at church on Friday. Interment will be in the Walnut Grove Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be directed to the library and hospice. Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Helen Frances Warren was born September 25, 1941 to Edward and Doris (Wreath) Warren in Tracy, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist faith. Helen graduated from Tracy High School in 1959 and later attended and graduated from Mankato Beauty School. She worked for Erma Hatch in Tracy for five years styling hair. Helen was united in marriage to Dale Anderson on June 13, 1965 at the Methodist Church. The couple made their home in Walnut Grove and were married for 54 years. Helen opened the Pamper Box in her house, where she had many loyal customers and friends. She was a beautician for 62 years. Dale and Helen had two children, Mark and Mary, which were her pride and joy. Family was very important to Helen and Dale. They enjoy camping and taking many family vacations in the summer. Helen believed in being involved and dedicated many hours to ensure her children had opportunities to participate in things they enjoyed. She was a Sunday school teacher and superintendent at English Lutheran Church for many years and served on the church council. Helen was also a leader for Mary’s Lucky Clovers Girl’s club. When her children were in college she began working at Schwan’s in the sandwich plant and later transferred and worked nights at the ice cream plant. Helen was active in Eastern Star and a member of the Tracy chapter. She also was a member of the Walnut Grove American Legion Post #267 Auxiliary. Helen had many hobbies and activities that brought her joy. She was an avid reader, often trading books with friends and always had a stash of books to read. Helen was a fantastic baker and spent many Sunday and Monday afternoons baking treats. At Christmas she enjoyed sending treats to school for her children’s Christmas parties. She also decorated cakes for their birthdays. Helen loved to give people treats at work and on holidays. Helen enjoyed embroidery and making quilts. She loved making baby quilts for her grandchildren, friends and family members. She found joy in giving to other people. Helen enjoyed visiting and telling stories with family and friends. In April of 2022, Helen moved into O’Brian Court in Tracy. She lived there until November of 2022, when she became a resident of Valley View Manor in Lamberton.
Helen is survived by her son Mark (Courtney) Anderson of Fergus Falls; grandchildren: Annika (boyfriend Alex Hamilton) Anderson of Rochester & Ethan Anderson of Fergus Falls; daughter Mary (Mike) Hewitt of Walnut Grove; sister Nancy Warren of Rochester; brother Donald (Kathy) Warren of Oaks, ND; sisters-in-law Marion Warren of Marshall, Vicki Warren of Lancaster, CA, Judy (Mike) Anderson of Forest City, IA, Joann (Ned) Doan of Oregon, and Jean (Bob) Heggerston of Walnut Grove; brother-in-law Jerry (Cheryl) Anderson of San Antonio, TX; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Edward & Doris, husband Dale, brothers Jim (Patty) Warren, Tom Warren and Bob Warren, father and mother-in-law Virgil & Nina Anderson and brothers-in-law Ronnie Anderson and Alan (Alice) Anderson.
