Helen Mae Edwin

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Helen Mae Edwin on March 12, 2024.

Helen was an adored wife, mother, grandmother and friend, whose presence touched the lives of many. She peacefully departed this life surrounded by her loving family.

A Celebration of Life honoring Helen Mae Edwin of Albert Lea, MN will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, MN. Visitation will be held one hour before the service.

Helen will be laid to rest at Silver Lake Lutheran Cemetery, located at Silver Lake Lutheran Church in rural Northwood, IA, where she and Robert were married and where she attended growing up. Visitation will also be on Friday, April 5, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Services in Albert Lea. Memorial contributions can be made to First Lutheran Peace and Power to honor Helen’s memory.

Helen was born on October 12, 1936 to Selmer and Mabel Thompson. Growing up, she attended a one-room schoolhouse in rural Northwood, IA. through the eighth grade and went on to graduate from Emmons High School. After graduation she moved to Albert Lea and worked at Spurgeons Department Store starting out as a window dresser and eventually was promoted to bookkeeper for the store. It was during this time she met the love of her life, Robert Edwin.

They were married on August 7, 1955. Together, they were blessed with three children: Bradley, Robin, and Nicole, who were the pride and joy of their lives. When first married, they moved around a lot because of Bob’s career in grocery management, living in the cities of Shakopee, Faribault and Northfield to name a few. Once they decided to start a family it was time to come back to Albert Lea. They moved into a newly built home on the south side of Albert Lea. Raising and loving her children was Helen’s passion. She also became a second mom to many of the neighborhood kids. Helen had a few part-time jobs during that time but was focused on her children. At one point, together with her husband Bob, they decided to open their own grocery store on the north side of Albert Lea in what is now the Salvation Army Thrift Store. The name of the grocery store was Bob & Joe’s Mark-It Foods. Afterward, they both went to work at Wilsons which later became Farmstead. They have enjoyed more than 68 wonderful years of marriage together. 

Throughout her life, Helen loved spending time with her family and friends. Whether she was hosting card club gatherings in her home, enjoying coffee chats, visits from family, attending theater performances or enthusiastically supporting and cheering for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their athletic events and music concerts. Her dedication to family was widely recognized and she truly cherished time with them. Helen’s kindness, compassion, and generosity knew no bounds, and she was always ready to offer support, advice and comfort to those around her.

Helen will be lovingly remembered by her husband Robert, three children Brad (Vickie) Edwin, Robin (Joe/Arnold) Helgerson, and Nicole (Chad) Severtson, she is also survived by her grandchildren, Kristi (Paul) Kenis, Traci Edwin, Cassi Edwin, Ashley (Ben) Ollila, Caden Severtson, Carson Severtson, as well as her great-grandchildren Karter Kenis, Kendall Kenis, Kohen Riedberger, Deacon Ollila, and the soon-to-arrive baby Ollila. Additionally, she leaves behind her sister-in-laws, Beulah Thompson and Sharon Edwin, along with several nieces and nephews. 

Helen was preceded in death by her parents Selmer and Mabel Thompson, brothers Siram Thompson, Lauritz Thompson and his wife Betty, Ernest Thompson and his wife Dorothy, sister Mavis Nordaas and her husband Haakon, grandson Dustin Helgerson, father-in law and mother-in-law Nels and Blanche Edwin, sister-in-law Joyce Sterrenberg and her husband Theodore, brother-in-law Dennis Edwin. 

Helen will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew her. She always made sure everyone around her knew she “loved them bunches”. Her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched.