Helen Elizabeth Flattum

Helen Flattum, age 88, of Lanesboro, passed away on September, 8,  2015, at Seasons Hospice in Rochester, MN.  She was the second daughter born to Albert and Alvina Kalis in Keister, MN on July 7th, 1927.

Helen grew up on the family farm and graduated from Keister High School in 1945. After completing nurses training to become a LPN she moved to Lanesboro to work at Dr. Johnson’s hospital. Helen was at this hospital during the last years of the polio epidemic and just this summer was featured in Lanesboro's  "History alive! Walking tour".

After moving to Lanesboro she met Willie Flattum, who she married on October 25, 1949.  They lived on a farm near Highland until 1962 when they became the owners of the Highland General Store for the next 20 years.  In 1982 they moved to a home in Lanesboro where Helen had continued to live independently.  Willie preceded her in death on October 6, 1982.

Helen liked interaction with people and continued to work into her 80’s.  She became co-owner of the Lanesboro Health and Gift, and then later worked at Grandma’s Garden Floral and Windy Mesa. Helen volunteered at blood drives, drove people to medical appointments and was an active member of the St Patrick’s church for nearly 70 years.

She enjoyed baking, crocheting and embroidery, but her favorite hobby was gardening.  She was happiest when the weather was warm so she could sit in front of her house drinking coffee, always ready to visit with family, friends and neighbors. She cherished the company her pets provided during her life and always kept dog treats for visitors.

Helen is survived by two daughters: Judy (Ben) Kracht of Rochester; Dixie (Steve) Riedel of Minneapolis; two grandchildren: Kim (Dave) Talbot and Adam Kress; two great-grandchildren: Lucas and Jack Talbot.  She is also survived by three brothers; David (Pat) of Keister, Albert (Sharon) of Montgomery, Mike (Georgia) of Albert Lea, and five sisters: Margaret Ward of Appleton, Marie Motl of Belle Plaine, Bernice Munson of Alden, Lorraine (Don) Schroeder of Muncie, IN, Pat (Tom) Arett of Chesterfield, MO.  She is also survived by loving nieces, nephews and a host of long-time friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie; and her parents, Albert & Alvina.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12th, 2015, at Saint Patrick’s Church, Lanesboro, with Fr. William Thompson officiating.   Visitation will be on Friday evening from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in Lanesboro and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the charity of your choice.

Johnson-Riley Funeral Home in Lanesboro is assisting the family with the arrangements. To share a memory of Helen or a condolance with the family please visit rileyfuneralhomes.com