Helen Wysoski, 98, of Alexandria, formerly of Thief River Falls, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 10, 2020 at Edgewood Vista Assisted Living in Alexandria, with her loving family by her side.
Private family services to celebrate Helen’s life will be held. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls.
Helen Ruth (Arras) Wysoski was born February 22, 1922 in Park River, ND to Oscar and Ruth (Flann) Arras, the third of six children and the only daughter.
Growing up on a farm, Helen’s first classroom was in a one room schoolhouse. After the market crash in 1929, the family relocated to Thief River Falls, where she attended Knox Grade School and Lincoln High School, graduating in 1940. Helen’s favorite memories of high school include learning to sew her own clothes, bookkeeping class, playing basketball in the gym, participating in the class play, and performing in a tumbling group during the intermission of the boys basketball games. She shared fascinating stories of listening to the short-wave radio with its huge megaphone speaker, attending silent movies with piano accompaniment, and having to walk three miles to school each day.
Helen was baptized in the Lutheran tradition in Park River, ND, confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, and was a member of Zion Lutheran Church.
After high school, Helen joined the National Youth Administration at the North Star College in Warren, studying bookkeeping and clerical skills.
It was in Warren that Helen met Ambrose L. Wysoski. The couple were married on December 24, 1942 while Ambrose was on leave after being drafted in to the US Army during the second world war.
During the war, Helen worked in many locations including Duluth, St. Paul, Milwaukee, San Francisco, and Cleveland. After the war, the couple returned to Thief River Falls where they raised their five children: Cathy, Renee, Susan, David and Paul.
Helen was employed in the bookkeeping and clerical field at Lincoln High School and a number of other local businesses. Upon retirement she was an active volunteer at the Heritage Community Center, and assisted the elderly in preparing their yearly tax forms. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, Eagles Auxiliary, and the Senior Federation.
Helen is survived by her brothers: Jim (Lois) Arras of Post Falls, Idaho and Kenneth (Betty) Arras of Walnut Creek, California; her children: Cathy Grott of Monticello, Renee (Owen) Miller of Newcastle, Wyoming, Susan (Jon) Markstrom, M.D. of Alexandria, David Wysoski of Kimball and Paul (Brenda) Wysoski, O.D. of Alexandria; 14 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Ruth Arras; brothers, Henry, Irven and Orville,; spouse, Ambrose Wysoski; full term infant daughter; son-in-law, Brian Grott; and special friend Floyd Hallan.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com