Helen Bechold

Helen Gertrude Bechold was born in Minot, ND to parents Martin and Wanda Bechold on November 5, 1942. She spent 77 years defying limitations, bringing joy to all, and being a champion for equal rights. Her peaceful rest commenced in her home on October 16, 2020.

Helen spent her early years at the Grafton State School, where she developed resilience and found life-long companions, including Rhonda Anderson, with whom Helen enjoyed decades of friendship.  Helen’s adult years were spent advocating for the rights of those with disabilities.  A familiar face testifying at the State Capitol, Helen used her public speaking skills to speak out on issues around public transportation, voter suppression, and respectful language.  She was a founding member of the first self-advocacy group in North Dakota, We Unite, sponsored by The ARC Upper Valley.  Since 1991, you could often find Helen alongside her dear friend, and ally to the movement, Carla Tice.  Together in solidarity with friends from Self-Advocacy Solutions,  The LISTEN Center, and Advocating Change Together, they traveled the country (sometimes clad in Wizard of Oz or 007 garb) from the United Nations in New York, to Disability Pride marches in Chicago, to the capitol building in Bismarck, to conferences in California and Alaska, demanding change, and making memories. Here in Grand Forks, Helen found a community. Given her love of music, she enjoyed her time with LISTEN’S Choir and the Performing for Change theater company.  During the holidays, she brought joy to the home of her chosen family.  A talented knitter, Helen has left many people sporting her beautiful scarves. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, and many beloved friends who became her family.  Helen’s message on the importance of knowing our rights, speaking up, and working for a better tomorrow shall endure as her unforgettable legacy.  Rest in power Helen.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Wanda and Martin Bechold; a sister Delores Beck; and friends who became family, Phyllis Buvik, Louise Schiltz and John Birkeland.

A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, October 22, 2020 at Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the funeral home. Social distancing will be practiced and masks are required.