Helen Mildred Froshaug Anderson was born to John"Johnny" Froshaug (1896 to 1969) and Linnea "Mildred" Sandahl Froshaug (1901-1996) on November 12, 1922 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Her childhood was spent in Minneapolis Minnesota, and in 1935, her family moved to the "Clausen Farm" in Clayton, Wisconsin. She attended Amery Public Schools and graduated in June of 1940. After her graduation, she worked for Dr. Paul L. Satterlund in Amery as a dental assistant.
On January 23, 1942, she was united in marriage to Wayne Bobby Anderson (1919-2000). Helen is survived by her three children, daughter Sharron Erickson, Plymouth, MN, son Dennis (Audrey), Vining, MN and son Gary (Kerrie) Minneapolis, MN.
During their married life, Helen and Wayne lived in Superior, WI, Grand Forks, ND, Pine City, MN, Cambridge, MN, Isanti, MN, Belle Plaine, MN, New Ulm, MN and Amery, WI. They were good companions and shared their love of antiquities. Helen was a master with her needle-work of many varieties; she was an excellent water-colorist, folk-art painter and had an appetite for learning and reading that continued to the last days of her life.
Memories of Helen have to be punctuated by her unbelievable sense of humor. She shared laughter where ever her life paths took her. Friends, family members and even casual acquaintances all have stories about a joke or funny experience relayed and usually "embroidered upon" by Helen. Helen was born an entertainer and lived her life befitting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Helen was the proud grandmother of six grandsons: S. Eric Erickson (Amy), Matthew Erickson (Lisa), Jonathan Erickson, Christopher Anderson (Terri), Michael Anderson and Nathan (Tina)Anderson.
With joy she welcomed nine great-grandchildren into her life: Chloe, Benjamin, Alexandra, Katherine, Claire, John, Peter, Joseph, and Coltin.
In 2001, Helen began a cherished friendship with Leman "Pete" Olsenius. This companionship and friendship lasted to the end of her life.
Additionally, Helen is survived by her brother, John Saxe Froshaug, Longmont, Colorado, sister-in-law, Mabe Froshaug, Stillwater, MN, and brother-in-law and his wife, Raymond and Patricia Anderson, Avon Lake, Ohio.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, her brother Robert Froshaug, an infant grandson and her son-in-law, Stephen Eric Erickson.
Helen was diagnosed with lung cancer on March 17, 2011 while an inpatient at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. She was given a life expectancy of 4-6 months. She refused any life prolonging treatment as she chose to enjoy the time she had left. She was discharged to her daughter's home on March 19th to receive Hospice Care
Before her death, Helen asked that we talk of her new beginning rather than the end of her life. She was a deeply committed Christian. She had a faith that anyone would envy. She was anxious to see Jesus and to be safe and pain-free in the arms of her Heavenly Father.
Helen embarked on her new beginning on March 29, 2011. She was encircled with the loving hands of her three children and daughter-in-law, and together they lifted her spirit to the strong and caring hands her Heavenly Father. She wouldn't have wanted the beginning any other way.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 4, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. from Balsam Lutheran Church in rural Amery, Wisconsin. There will be a visitation for the hour prior to the service at the church. Private family interment will be at a later date. At Helen's request, she preferred no flowers and if you choose, please make your memorial gift in her name to Balsam Lutheran Church.