Helen Gohdes

Helen D. Gohdes, 91, Reynolds, ND and formerly of Grand Forks, ND, died Saturday, May 9, 2015 in Hatton Prairie Village. Helen Doris Smestad was born December 25, 1923 near Inkster, ND the daughter of Even and Katherine (Nilson) Smestad. She was baptized at Elk Valley Lutheran Church and attended public school in Inkster. Helen married Arthur Pierson. They lived near Inkster. On November 15, 1975, Helen married Elroy Gohdes. They lived in Grand Forks where Helen worked for Northwest Mutual Insurance Co. and later Griffiths Department Store. Helen lived in Tucson, AZ for several years. Helen loved crocheting, sewing, craftwork, BINGO, dancing, playing cards and spending time with family and friends. She was also proud of winning a Minnie Pearl lookalike contest in Oklahoma. She is survived by her sons, Reynard Pierson, Lisbon, ND, Roger (Sam) Pierson, Detroit Lakes, MN and Rodney (Debbie) Pierson, Reynolds, ND; daughters, Karen Schlenvogt, Fargo, ND, Kristi McFarland, Minneapolis, MN and Kay Ann Rarick, Climax, MN; sister, Lillie Purcell; 20 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren and 7 great great grandchildren. Helen was preceded in death by Art Pierson and Elroy Gohdes; her son, Roy; grandson, Jeff; great granddaughter, Calla Rarick; her parents; and siblings, Carl, Elvin, Kathleen and Juel. Memorial Services will be 3:00 PM Saturday, May 16, 2015 in Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks, ND. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the funeral home. Burial will be in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery of Minneapolis, MN. In lieu of flowers please send a donation to Altru Hospice.