Helen J. Nelson

To watch a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/DvxFG-HYgRc 

Helen J. Nelson, 84, Grand Forks, ND passed away Friday, September 6, 2024 in Valley Senior Living on Columbia, Grand Forks.

Helen Joyce Torgerson was born December 16, 1939 in Bygland, MN, the daughter of Edward and Anne (Hegland) Torgerson. She was raised and educated in the Bygland area. Helen worked a few jobs before marrying Dale Nelson on August 25, 1956 in Great Falls, MT. They lived mostly in the Grand Forks area, but also lived briefly in California and in Bemidji, MN. Later in life, Helen worked at All Seasons Garden Center. 

Helen enjoyed shopping and painting. During their years together, she and her husband, Dale spent many winters in Arizona playing cards with their group of friends, golfing, and antique shopping. Helen loved visiting new places. She and Dale traveled extensively all over the U.S, as well as to Norway, Russia, Germany, and much of South America; including Panama. They built a church in South America and visited relatives in Norway and all around the United States. Dale passed away July 15, 2010.

Survivors include her daughters, Lori (Dean) Bjerk, Grand Forks, Billie Jo (Kim) Bayne, Oslo, MN and Darcy (Rick) Berg, Grand Forks; grandchildren, Amber, Lee, Nichole, Jared, Carrie, Cheryl, Christina, Amanda, Joseph, Taylor, and Chelsey; 17 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; sisters, Ruth Anderson and Jean Thompson, both of Grand Forks; and sister-in-law, Deanna Asay.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Dale; sons, Chris, Eddie, and Danny.

Funeral services will be 1:30 PM Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the funeral home. Burial will be in Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks.