Helene Rhodes, age 100 years, 5 months and 8 days, passed away on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at the home she shared with her sister, Jean Kallenbach.

She was born June 6, 1920 in Arland to Carl and Gina (Erickson) Tuftin. She was raised in Arland and graduated 8th grade from Liberty School. She married Irvin Rhodes on February 9, 1938 at the Barron County Courthouse.  Helene farmed with Irvin on different farms, she worked as a cook and waitress at area restaurants; she also worked at the apron factory and in Clayton at the rag factory (Walfam Textiles).

Helene was a self-taught musician who played many instruments and the organ for Bethany Lutheran Church in Almena for over 20 years. She loved to write and paint, she wrote for the Barron News Shield and the Hay River Review. She also loved to embroider, quilt, sew, garden, can foods, make Lefse and homemade jellies and jams.
She was a wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great & great-great-grandmother. She loved her family and friends deeply and prayed they all knew the Lord and Savior like she did.  She was very proud of her Norwegian heritage and belonged to the Sons of Norway.

She is survived by her sons, Carl (Janice) Rhodes of Auburn, WA and Donald (Jolyne) Rhodes of Cheyenne, WY; daughter, Lily LaBlanc of Almena; 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Clara Kallenbach of Hillsdale, Jean Kallenbach of Hillsdale and Olga Schwartz of Centuria; she is also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter & son-in-law, Idell & Alvin Olson; brothers, Edwin & Casper Tuftin; and a sister, Mabel Rhodes.

A private funeral service for Helene will be held.

Last Update: Nov 19, 2020 6:43 am CST