Helen Gilma Grunwald, 89, of Owatonna, died Saturday, May 27, 2023, at the Birchwood Cottages in Owatonna.

Helen was born on May 5, 1934, in Albert Lea to Wilken and Gilma (Warke) Wilkenson. She grew up on the family farm in the New Richland area, attended country school and graduated from New Richland High School in 1952. She was baptized and confirmed at the Le Sueur River Lutheran Church. After high school Helen worked at Federated in Owatonna. On August 27, 1955, she was united in marriage to James L. Grunwald at Le Sueur River Lutheran Church. They moved to Waseca and she worked for E.F. Johnson Company until having children. She stayed home to raise her children until the fall of 1966 when she went to work for the Mishek Co. in Waseca. She worked there for 40 years before going to work at Lincoln Suppliers retiring in 2016 at the age of 81. As a young woman, Helen loved working on the family farm, milking cows, doing chores and field work. She also loved her church, teaching Sunday school and playing the piano. Later in life Helen continued her love of being outside growing flowers, watching birds, camping and watching car races. She was an avid Timberwolves fan and had season tickets for a number of years. She enjoyed trips with James in their motorhome; especially to Branson and Nashville. She was a long time member of Grace Lutheran Church in Waseca before moving to Owatonna where she was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She was a remarkable mother who was always willing to help and provide support when asked by her family. Always checking on how the "little people" are doing, referring to her great-grandchildren who she was so very proud of.

She is survived by her husband James Grunwald of Owatonna, children; Susan (Robert) Fritz of Waseca, Brian (Julie) Grunwald of Waseca, and Michael Grunwald of Edina, grandchildren; Lindsey Fritz (Jason Esse), Carley (Eric) Gleason, Jayson Fritz, Adam (Jessica) Grunwald, and Chad Grunwald (Jessica Royer), 12 great grandchildren, sister-in-law Linda Wilkenson of New Richland. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, John Wilkenson.

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 1, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Michaelson Funeral Home, Owatonna and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church at 11:00 am on Friday, June 2, 2023. Interment will be at St. John Cemetery in Owatonna. Memorials can be given to Trinity Lutheran Church of Owatonna or donor's choice. The family would like to thank the staff at Birchwood Cottages and Brighton Hospice.