Helen Aase of Kenyon MN, joined her Savior on Tuesday, October 17, shortly after her 102nd birthday.

Helen Arline Knudson was born Oct. 11, 1921, eldest child of Ole and Hilda (Rugroden) Knudson, both children of Norwegian immigrants.

After growing up on the family farm through the depression with siblings Arlys, Ona, Harold and Margaret in Hartland MN, she studied at Waldorf College, U of M, and Mankato State College, earning her Masters in Nursing.

She taught in a one-room country school in IA and MN, then worked in government in Washington DC during World War II. There she met her future husband, Harold (Hank) Aase, back from the war. They married in 1947 and moved to Harold's hometown of Kenyon. They had three sons, Allan (1949), Roger (1951) and Gordon (1956).

Helen's RN nursing career spanned 62 years, most as Director of the Nursing LPN program in Faribault.

She received the Distinguished Service Award from MN Nurses Association. Her students considered her strict but fair and a lifelong inspiration with an encouraging and calming nature.

In 1973 she was the first woman elected to the Kenyon city council.

She won the WCCO Good Neighbor Award for her "100,000 mile degree" for traveling daily to Hastings for work, U of M for class, then back at night to Kenyon while raising her family.

She was Kenyon Citizen of the Year and Grand Marshall of Rose Days and the Horse & Cutter parade.

Helen thrived on community involvement. She was president or officer in the SE Senior Federation, VFW, church council, Cancer Society, hospice, Grief Facilitator, Delta Kappa Gamma, Public Health Advisory Council, Sunset Home, Faith in Action, Senior Citizens, Sons of Norway, SEMCAC, and parish nurse, Cub Scouts, Sunday school and adult Bible class teacher, and thrift store volunteer and many others.

Helen authored histories of Kenyon and First Lutheran, and four genealogy books arising from her interest in Norwegian heritage. At 101, she was still working on her latest book of WW I and her father's experience with mustard gas.

She traveled to over 20 countries and most of the US, including mission trips.

Helen was a lifelong learner enjoying history, reading, religion, exercise groups, hardanger, and sharing Norwegian traditions with wonderful holiday meals.

Helen put God and family above all else, leading by example with patience and a kind heart. Her faith, work ethic, generosity and intellect was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Helen is survived by sons Roger of Elmore, MN and Gordon (Michelle) of Nicollet, MN; daughter-in-law, Melanie of Maple Grove, MN; grandchildren Katie, Sara, Isabella; great grandchildren Leanna, Kenny; sisters Ona Meyer, Margaret Tweet; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by husband Harold; son Allan; sister Arlys (Reuel) Thompson; brother Harold (Mavis) Knudson; brothers-in-law Don Meyer, Roald Tweet, Tubby Aase (Aggie), Albin Aase (Tootsie), James Aase (Gussy); sisters-in-law Gladys Aase, Hazel (Jeff) Thomford, Carol (Tony) Gaasedelen.

A special thank you to Ecumen Hospice for two years of loving care of Helen.

Services will be held at First Lutheran Church, Kenyon at 11 AM on Tuesday Oct. 24.

Visitation at Michaelson Funeral Home, Kenyon at 4-7 PM on Monday Oct. 23 and one hour before services.

Memorials preferred to First Lutheran Church and Ecumen Hospice.