Joyce Helms

Joyce Helms, 78, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away, Saturday, November 7, 2009, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. Joyce Elaine (Olson) Helms was born on June 7, 1931 to Philip and Emma (Hoverson) Olson of rural Grand Forks. She graduated from Grand Forks Central High School and attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and Mayville State Teachers College. From an early age, Joyce wanted to be a teacher. She was hired to teach at Ferry #9, a one room school near Manvel, ND. Many of the students have remained her life-long friends. Joyce married Henning Helms on May 1, 1954. They moved to Manvel in 1969. Joyce worked as a paraprofessional in Grand Forks public schools and was a Sunday school teacher at Middle Grove Lutheran Church near Mekinock. When Henning died in 2006, Joyce moved to Parkwood Place in Grand Forks. She volunteered in Parkwood's library and during Lutheran worship services. Joyce is survived by a son, Robert of Aurora, CO; daughter, Lane Marie (William) Speake; grandsons Andrew & Matthew Speake; brother, Duane Olson; sister-in-law, Connie Beck and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Henning; brothers, Levon Olson and Dennis Olson; sister-in-laws, Thelma Olson and Arda Olson. **In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to: Middle Grove Church or the Manvel Senior Center. FUNERAL SERVICES: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 12, at Middle Grove Church in rural Grand Forks. VISITATION: 5:00-7:00 pm with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service on Wednesday, November 11, 2009, at Amundson Funeral Home 2975 S. 42nd St. Grand Forks, ND INTERMENT: Middle Grove Cemetery.