Helen Dittman

HOFF FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICE, HOUSTON, MINN. 507-896-3127 Helen J. Dittman, 73, affectionately known as "Nena" by her grandchildren, and revered by many as "Helen of Houston," found peace when she passed and returned home early Sunday morning, July 3, 2011, with her daughter, Chele, and her son, Craig, by her side. Helen was born on April 4, 1938, in Walker, Iowa to La Vera (Happel) Reid and Clarence "Pete" Reid. Her growing up years were spent in Houston, Minn., where she attended the Upper Looney Valley School and graduated from Houston High School with honors. Helen was named the 1955 delegate for the tenth annual Girls State. Helen graduated with a Bachelors degree from Winona State University and began her teaching career in Spring Grove, Minn. She married Richard "Bamps" Dittman and they were later divorced. Helen continued her teaching career in Houston, Minn. and provided many years of service to the Houston School District, receiving a plaque of honor upon retirement, as well as many accolades from her students throughout the years, who described her as their favorite teacher from whom they learned the value of education. Helen later worked at a group home for the mentally ill in Winona, Minn. and volunteered at Gundersen-Lutheran in La Crosse, Wis. Helen is survived by her daughter, Richele (Tod) Hemesath and their children, Amanda Lynnae, Tanner, Jess and Jenni and her son Craig (Kristin) Dittman and their children Parker, Logan, and Keegan; brother Clair (Jean) Reid; dear cousins Debbie Nocon, Stuart Loken, and Van Loken; her special aunt Norma Klinge; many nieces and nephews; and countless faithful friends whom she deemed her "Angels on Earth," including those pals who have gone before her. Helen was preceded in death by her cherished grandparents, Philip and Tillie Happel; mother, La Vera (Happel) Reid; her father, Clarence "Pete" Reid; her beloved brother, Allyson "Big Al" Reid; her gregarious aunts, Beverly Loken and Dorothy Gaustad; and her treasured nephew, Gary Reid. Helen's family, her love of which was not relinquished by the cancer that took her life, will profoundly miss her whimsical personality, flowery sense of humor, frequent phone calls, robust hugs, oratory lessons from her daily devotional books, and watching her dance in her kitchen to "A White Sport Coat (And a Pink Carnation)." Her home at 314 will forever be fondly remembered as a place where friends of Helen, as well as friends of Chele and Craig, gathered for good conversation along with belly laughs and beverages at the dining room table. The tremendous courage and strength Helen displayed over the past eight months is second only to the lifelong resilience she demonstrated in her struggle with bipolar illness. The most valuable life lessons which Helen passed along to her children and grandchildren were how to live a life filled with compassion, perseverance, and faith. The family wishes to give very special thanks to Dr. David Metzler for serving as a beacon of hope and providing shelter from the storm over the past several years for both Helen and her family, and to Dan Smith, invaluable pal and handyman. The following is a poem written by Helen many years ago which has served as a guiding light throughout the past several months. Her family takes great comfort in knowing that in the early morning hours of July 3rd, 2011, "the time was right."When the Time is RightOften in our busy livesSomeone will come and say,"When should we do this or thatAnd what is the proper way?I really did not knowHow to answer their plea,So I found myself thinkingGod knows "when" this should be.He will show us how and whenAnd will guide us through the night,Only the man upstairs will know"When the time is right."If we're not sure what to do And we're seeking for the light,Our God above will let us know"When the time is right."Now when someone asks you "when"And the answer is not in sight,Tell them to "put it in God's hands"He knows "when the time is right."Peace and blessings to you, Mom ~love you--always have, always will~ There will be a funeral service for Helen at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 9, at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston with the Rev. Lane Zaffke and the Rev. Duane Everson co-officiating. Burial will be in the Silver Creek Cemetery in rural Houston. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday at Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in Houston and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Leave a memory of Helen, sign her online guestbook and view her tribute video when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/230941