Helen Esther Ryan

A vibrant, vivacious, and fun-loving woman, Helen Ryan was a blessing to everyone she met. She was content in whatever life brought, and her devotion to the people and things she loved was unmatched. Helen was a loving wife and devoted mother who was filled with unspeakable joy to welcome grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even one great-great-grandchild into the family. Her life was not without times of trial, but she was a courageous and steadfast woman who faced challenges with a quiet strength that was truly inspiring. With unending love for those around her, Helen will be deeply missed while her memory remains a lasting treasure for generations to come. With the end of WWI in 1918, America was recognized as a world leader and poised for greatness. We did not disappoint as we led the way in innovation that was transforming the way we lived our daily lives. Washing machines and refrigerators became part of our homes, and with the widespread implementation of the assembly line cars were more affordable for the average American. Amidst this time of discovery was a time of great anticipation in the lives of Harry Martelle and Anna (Michael) Koepsel as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the heat of the summer blanketed the city of Dover, Minnesota, in 1922. The big day finally arrived on July 17th when the baby girl they named Helen Esther drew her first breath. Joined in her family by her brother, Ervin, she experienced a difficult childhood. Because her mother wasn't able to support her, Helen was raised by other family members. This was a growth experience for Helen, as she treasured her own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren more deeply. As a young woman she married Dick Freese, and they were later divorced. Nothing was sweeter than when Helen became a mother to her five wonderful children, Kenneth, Suzan, Linda, Lana, and David. As a mother she was independent and strong, but she was also gracious, loving and nurturing. Helen wasn't afraid to discipline when needed such as the time she doled out a good spanking to Ken. There was also the time she chased Lana with a broom! Helen's kids describe her as "tougher than a box of nails." Although she was tough on her own, she also didn't shy away from telling her kids that if they didn't behave she would tell their dad! Helen was an am amazing cook who was able to whip up a meal out of next to nothing in a flash. Much of Helen's life was spent alongside her true love. His name was Earl Ryan, and they met while she was working in a restaurant in Plainview following WWII. They began dating, and over time Helen and Earl fell deeply in love. With a desire to build a life together, the sweethearts were married on August 19, 1948, in Austin, Minnesota. Together they farmed east of St. Charles where Helen also owned and operated the Mileage Café. She had a high standard of work and dedication, and she actually enjoyed working - even taking care of the chickens! As a family they loved spending holidays at Grandma Ryan's, and Helen loved Easter when she had so much fun dressing up the girls and then eating at the Cottage Inn. At times, Helen opened her home to others who needed some tender loving care in being raised including a young pregnant girl. Some of their favorite family memories were made around the player piano in the living room. They also enjoyed their time at the cabin on the river at Wabasha. In 1968, Helen moved to Rochester where she remained for the rest of her life. Throughout her life Helen was one to keep busy. While living in St. Charles she was a member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church as well as a member of the St. Charles VFW auxiliary. Once living in Rochester, Helen worked in food service at Rochester Methodist Hospital, and she was also a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. She did some traveling including a trip to Montana to bring Ken to conservation school as well as trips to Branson and the Bahamas in addition to various places on bus trips and a cruise. Helen loved her flowers and tending to her garden on the farm and also trout fishing at Bide Away Cabins. During her younger years she loved going out dancing. With so many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, spending time with them was a favorite pastime. For 12 years Helen was very active in helping with her son Dave's children as she lived with Dave and his family after he put an addition on his house just for she and Earl. A woman who was truly beautiful on the inside and out, Helen Ryan was an extraordinary woman to know and love. She had a contagious zest for life, was the heartbeat of wherever she went, and loved joking around. It was no secret that Helen viewed the day she married Earl as the best day of her life, and her family was her greatest source of pride and joy. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind at times or to let someone know if they did something wrong, yet her words were always seasoned with grace. As her family and friends can attest, Helen often said, "I told you so!" and then she usually said it again later just for good measure! She leaves behind a timeless legacy that is deeply rooted in compassion, an impeccable work ethic, and selfless generosity that will be carried on by those who follow in her footsteps. Helen Esther Ryan, of Rochester, died Thursday evening, March 19, 2015, at Cottage Wood in Rochester. Helen's family includes her children, Kenneth (Betty) Freese of Spring Valley, Suzan (Jim) Griffin of Williamsburg, VA, Linda (Jerry) Halls of Pontotoc, MS, Lana (Hal) Becker of Wabasha, and David (Cheryl) Ryan of Zumbrota; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Earl, in 2006 and by a brother, Ervin. Funeral Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in St. Charles with the Reverend Samuel Morsching officiating. Burial will follow in Saratoga Cemetery. Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles. They may also call one hour before services on Wednesday at the church. Please sign Helen's online guestbook, view her video tribute and Life Story when they become available at www.hofffuneral.com. Pallbearers will be Jason Freese, Timothy Fuller, Joseph Fuller, Roger Halls, Adam Ryan, Andrew Ryan and Aaron Ryan.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/580202