Helen Ann Mortenson

Helen Ann Mortenson, 86, passed away on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at her home in Benson, Minnesota. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 10:00 am on Thursday, June 23, 2022, at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson, followed by the funeral service at 10:00 am. Interment will be in Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church Cemetery. Zniewski Funeral Home of Benson is assisting the family with the arrangements. Helen Mattheisen Mortenson was born on November 24, 1935 in Six Mile Grove Township, Swift County, Minnesota, the daughter of Louie and Vera Elliott Mattheisen. She was baptized and confirmed at Pilgrim Congregational Church, Benson. She loved growing up on the farm and appreciated God’s creation in the country. Her first 8 years of school were in Danvers, and then she went to Benson High School, graduating in 1953. She then attended the University of Minnesota Morris, graduating in 1957 with a bachelor of Elementary Education degree. On April 20, 1957 she married the love of her life, Paul Mortenson, at Pilgrim Congregational Church, Benson. They had over 63 years of life together prior to Paul’s death. Helen loved teaching and found it very rewarding, gathering many memories over the years. She also loved working in her church, Our Redeemer’s Lutheran, serving on the Altar Guild, Our Redeemer’s Women, Circle, Friendly Visitors, Faithfully Fit, and assisting with serving Holy Communion as well as taking communion to shut-ins and visiting with them. She also served on various boards at Our Redeemers, and she was active in the Swift County Historical Society and Museum as well as various other civic activities. Helen believed that being kind and helpful to others was very important, and she loved spending time with family and friends as well as with those who had no one or no place to go, especially at holiday times. Helen is survived by her son Jayme (Jim) Sorenson, daughters Madrene (Scott) Grund and Julie (Michael) Ferguson, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, brother Bob Mattheisen and sister Jane Swanson, brother-in-law Dean (Deanna) Mortenson and sister-in-law Marjorie Williamson. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul on July 14, 2020, her parents Louie and Vera Mattheisen. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be sent to: Swift County Food Shelf, 640 Atlantic Ave., Benson, MN 56215 (320) 842-8565