Helen (Lund) Blekeberg dies at 88

Helen (Lund)  Blekeberg, age 88, of Ridgeway, died on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017 at the Evans Memorial Home in Cresco.
Helen Mae Blekeberg was born on July 10, 1929, the daughter of Theodore & Clara Lund in Viroqua, Wisc.  She grew up on the family farm. Helen attended school in Viroqua and later attended Luther College, graduating in 1950.  She was a school teacher for 20+ years and taught in Brooten, Minn., Brodhead & Oconomowoc, Wisc., and Waterloo & Cresco.  She taught mathematics, science, and physical education. Helen married Orrin Blekeberg on June 24, 1962 in Viroqua.  She retired from teaching 10 years later and joined Orrin in their farming operation outside of Ridgeway.  In 1991, they retired and moved into Ridgeway. Helen was a former member of the Decorah Lutheran Church and a current member of the Madison Lutheran Church where she had served as church treasurer for many years, on the church council, and as a ladies aid officer.  She enjoyed going to their do-days to work on quilts.  Helen was a member of the Cresco Piecemaker’s Quilt Guild and the Clip & Stitch Quilter’s Guild in New Hampton. Helen loved to bake, especially Norwegian goodies, enjoyed reading, crafts, and tending to her flowers.  Her true passion was for quilting.  She spent numerous hours at her sewing machine making quilts and other projects.  She loved going to quilt retreats and shopping for fabric to add to her “stash.”  She kept her sewing machine close, even at the hospital and nursing home in recent months.  Most of all, Helen treasured her many friendships, especially with other quilters. 
Helen’s survivors include her two sisters:  Irene Buschkopf, Juneau, Wisc. and Esther (Gaylord) Dolphin, Onalaska, Wisc., sister-in-law: Roberta Blekeberg, Mabel, Minn.  along with several nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.  Three special friends: Brad Linderbaum, Ridgeway, Kathy Schrader, Decorah, and Jody Kuennen, Festina.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Orrin Blekeberg, parents: Theodore & Clara Lund, brothers and sisters-in-law:  Robert Buschkopf, Hazel (Vernon) Herman, Marcella (Orville) Smorstad, Wallace (Dorothy) Blekeberg,  nephew: Ted Buschkopf, niece: Jane Blekeberg.
Helen will be best remembered for her kind and caring nature. She was an inspiration to all, especially other quilters.  God bless her memory.