Helen was a strong and independent woman who lived on her own until her passing at 94. She was known for her strong work ethic and her passion for helping others. Her legacy will continue to live on in her family. We are grateful for the lessons she imparted and the memories she helped us create.
Helen was born and raised on a farm north of Lodgepole. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at Weyerts Immanuel Lutheran Church. Helen attended a one-room country school for grades one through eight. After graduating from high school, she worked at the Lodgepole Telephone Company for two years. She then accepted a position as the Superintendent’s Secretary at the School District, where she worked and thrived for 17 years.
Helen resigned from her job to accompany her husband, Ralph, who began a 24-year career as Deputy Secretary of State in Lincoln. After moving to Lincoln, she became the Benefits Coordinator in the Human Resources Department at Lincoln General Hospital. Although she planned to retire after 15 years in that role, she later accepted a position as a manager at T.J. Cinnamons Bakeries, where she worked for an additional three years. In 1990, she decided it was time to work part-time and spend more time with her grandchildren. Being the hardworking role model she was, she took a position as a waitress at Howard’s Pantry, where she enjoyed her guests and made many friends.
Nothing brought Helen more joy than being a mother and grandmother, endearingly known as “Grandma Great” by her grandchildren. The love and pride she had for her family were evident to everyone who knew her, and she always celebrated their accomplishments. Over the years, she attended many sporting events, dance recitals, and school performances to support them. No matter how far away her grandchildren lived, Helen was always present for them.
Helen had a passion for cooking and baking, generously sharing her culinary talents with many. What began as a hobby of decorating cakes quickly blossomed into creating special cakes for every occasion. Eventually, this passion turned into catering for weddings, retirements, and special events. Family and friends hold dearly the countless memories of the holidays, family dinners, and special gatherings hosted by Helen and her husband, Ralph. Helen valued her friendships, and on special occasions, you could expect to receive a card in the mail from her.
Helen and Ralph spent 66 treasured years together before his passing in 2016. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love and support. They were charter members of Southwood Lutheran Church, where they actively participated in various roles.
Throughout her life, she remained steadfast in her faith and persevered gracefully through every challenge. Always positive and inspiring, she was a source of strength for her family and those who knew her.
Helen took great pride in her family, which includes her daughter, Jorena, and her husband, John Larsen. She cherished her grandchildren: Jody Leonard, Brandy Trapp, Mike Briggs, and Andrew Larsen, all of Lincoln, as well as Nate and Kerry Larsen of O’Neill. Additionally, she adored her four great-grandchildren: Julia Leonard, Jackson Larsen, Emily Larsen, and Ayden Trapp. Helen also valued her bond with her sister, Clara Ihrig, and she had numerous close nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph, her parents, two sisters, and one brother.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Southwood Lutheran Church, located at 4301 Wilderness Hills Blvd.
Memorial contributions will be shared with the April Sampson Cancer Center and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.