Helen Skavlem

Helen Skavlem, 97, Grand Forks, died Thursday, April 13, 2017 at her home. Helen Freestad was born March 23, 1920 at Hendrum, Minnesota  to Arthur and Bertha Freestad.  She was raised and educated at Hendrum and graduated from Hendrum High School.  She attended a business college in Fargo.  Helen married Ingvald “Inge” Skavlem on July 11, 1942 at San Luis Obispo, California where he was serving in the US Army.  Helen returned to Hendrum to live with her family until her husband was discharged from military service.  They then moved to Grand Forks where they made their home.   Helen was employed by Young Drug in Grand Forks for 30 years.  Helen enjoyed time at Cass Lake and time with her family and friends. Helen had close ties to family in Norway and was very proud of her Norwegian heritage.  She was an excellent letter writer and loved to stay in touch with others through the many letters she sent.   Helen enjoyed volunteering at Calvary Lutheran Church where she was a longtime member.  She was active in the widow/widower support group in Grand Forks for over 20 years.  She is survived by a son, Allan (Kim) Skavlem, Grand Forks, and their children, Alex, Jamie, and Kristi; daughter-in-law, Sharon Skavlem, Breckenridge, Colorado; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ingvald;  son, Donald Skavlem;  grandson, Mark Skavlem;  brothers, Carl and Floyd;  a sister, Josephine.  Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, 2017 in Calvary Lutheran Church, 1405 S. 9th St., Grand Forks.  Visitation will be Monday, April 17, 2017 from 5 to 7 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. Prayer Service in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks.  Interment will be in Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks.  Memorials are preferred to Calvary Lutheran Church or the Grand Forks Senior Center. Helen's family has chosen Wy's Floral as their florist. http://www.eastgrandfloral.net.