Marilyn Helfinstine

Marilyn was born at home on October 20, 1935 in Pierz, Minnesota to Albert and Carolyn (Yatcksoske) Souer.  When she was seven, her family moved to a farm in Oak Park, MN.  She attended country school until grade eight, then graduated from Foley High School in 1953.  She was a proud alumni of St. Paul Bible Institute (now Crown College).

On September 3, 1965 she was united in marriage to M. Gene Helfinstine.  One daughter, Marilee, was born to them.  They made their home in Milaca, MN, where she lived for the remainder of her life.

A favorite memory was the summer she spent with the American Sunday School Union travelling to various country churches, running vacation Bible school programs for them.  She enjoyed the years she was able to serve as an election judge for the City of Milaca.  Additionally, she loved the time she spent babysitting and doing daycare for her beloved grandchildren, Alexandra “Lexie”, Joshua, and Camryn “Camie”.  She served in various positions at her church, and remained a prayer warrior when she was no longer able to attend services.  Marilyn was well known for her love of cats and books; she always had one or the other nearby.

She is survived by her daughter, Marilee (Larry) Paulson; three grandchildren, Alexandra (Trevor) Neff, Joshua (Megan) Paulson, and Camryn (Nate) Fenske.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brother, Gerald Souer.