Helma Lende

HELMA A. E. LENDE Helma Lende, 98 of Fargo, ND died Thursday, August 12, 2010 surrounded by her family in the Elim Care Center in Fargo, ND. Helma Alice Evangeline Halvorson was born October 27, 1911 near Binford, ND the daughter of Nels and Annette (Pederson) Halvorson; she grew up and attended rural school. She graduated from the 8th grade at the Berg Memorial Auditorium in Cooperstown, ND. She helped her father doing farm work at a very young age. She milked cows and hauled bundles along with plowing with horses. At the age of 16, she chose to do something a little easier so she started her own business. It was a cream station at Jessie, ND, where she bought and sold cream. She sent the cream in 10 gallon cans which she handled her self to Cass-Clay Creamery in Fargo, ND. She married Palmer Merlin Lende December 26, 1931 in Moorhead, MN. The couple started their married life together in Hannaford, ND. A short time later they started a cream station in Hope, ND where they lived for a few years before moving to Cooperstown. In 1944 they purchased a small farm near Hannaford and this became their permanent home. Helma and her husband had various business ventures to support their family. She sold Watkins Products and Fuller Brushes, operated a Cities Service Gas Station and Café on Highway 10 near Buffalo, ND. (Highway Patrolmen would stop frequently to enjoy her delicious apple pie.) Operated a café in Walum, ND, was owner and operator of a private rest home in Fargo and West Fargo (Rest Inn). She took care of elderly women in her home for several years. Helma enjoyed cooking, baking and canning and several years she put up over 500 quarts of fruit and vegetables. Her bread making was second to none. Her grandchildren always remember her wonderful buns and many treats she provided when they visited the farm. She is survived by four sons, Merlin, Hannaford, ND; Darrel (Myrna), Phoenix, AZ; Vernon (Donna) Harwood, ND; Roland, Alice, ND; five daughters, Nadine (Darrel) Nelson, Harwood, ND; Jan Weiand, Fargo, ND; Darlene (Rick) Perske, Yorba Linda, CA; Colleen Kankelfritz, Moorhead, MN; Karen (Roy) Simmons, Moorhead, MN; 19 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren; three sisters, Norma Finstuen, Tacoma, WA, Gladys Beckman, Rock Hills, SC and Inez Asmus, formerly of Binford, ND. Helma was preceded in death by her parents; husband Palmer; infant son, Torry Lynn; infant daughter, Alicia Ann; her brothers, Wallace and Clifford and infant twin brothers. Helma was an amazing woman with Agape’ Love. She showed the love in her daily walk with Jesus. Her prayer and greatest desire was her children, grandchildren, relatives and friends would come to know Christ as their personal Savior and live for Jesus so they all will meet again in heaven. She will be missed by all who loved her. Funeral Services will be held Friday, August 20, 2010 at 11:00 am in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Cooperstown, ND. Visitation will be for 9:30 till service time in the Church. Interment will be in the Saron Cemetery, rural Cooperstown, ND.