Helen L. Engebretsen, 99, of Morrill, passed away Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the Mitchell Care Center. Her memorial service will be held at 10am on Thursday, Oct 17, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Morrill with Pastor Scott Firminhac officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Orphan Grain Train, PO Box 1466, Norfolk, NE 68702-9915, Trinity Lutheran Church, Morrill, NE or to your local Volunteer Fire Department. Online condolences may be made by viewing her memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services are entrusted with arrangements.
Helen was born September 21,1925 to Emil and Lena Vyzourek in Boulder, CO. They lived in western Kansas until the depression and the dustbowl prompted their move to Hat Creek near Ardmore, SD. Helen grew up on the ranch and graduated from Sioux County High School. She taught several years in the country schools, the last being Chalk Butte in south Sioux County.
She married John Engebretsen June 13, 1945. They lived on his family’s ranch east of Harrison for thirty years where they raised three children, Ralph, Jean and Virginia. In 1979 they moved to a small farm outside of Morrill. She continued living on the farm with Virginia before going to Mitchell Care Center earlier in 2024.
Helen was active in the church in many capacities. She also crocheted, sewed, knitted and quilted many items for family and friends. Gardening and raising chickens were an important part of Helens life.
Preceding Helens’ passing was John in 1986 and her entire generation of family on both sides.
Surviving Henel are her children Ralph and Mary Engebretsen of Arizona, Jean and Sam Lopez of Arizona and Virginia Engebretsen of Morrill; grandchildren Jan & Juanita Engebretsen of Arizona, Holly & David McCrane of Virginia, Evan & Karen Engebretsen and children Emil & Ayla of Colorado.