"I am so very sorry to hear of sweet Helens passing. I was lucky enough to have had the honor of taking care of her for a short time. She won my heart by calling me her ?favorite? when I helped her though a stressful time. My deepest sympathy to you all-she was a very special patient to me. "
In loving memory of
Helen Arnold
August 24, 1924 - September 6, 2019
Helen Marie Arnold, 95, of Rochester, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on September 6, 2019. She was born on August 24, 1924 in Red Wing, Minnesota to Clifford and Adeline Swanson.
She graduated from Red Wing Central High School in 1942. She was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Red Wing. She attended Kahler School of Nursing and graduated the Cadet Program as an RN in 1947. She worked as a surgical nurse at Methodist Hospital until she retired in 1957. On April 17, 1948 she married the love of her life, Duane Arnold at First Lutheran Church in Red Wing. They were blessed with 4 children. She was a long-time member of Bethel Lutheran Church.
Helen loved her family and friends. Her hobbies included; knitting, quilting, sewing, baking, golfing, and playing bridge. Helen and Duane enjoyed spending winters in Naples, FL and Phoenix, AZ. She was a member of the Methodist Kahler Alumni Association.
A service to celebrate her life will be held 11 a.m. on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Private family internment will be at Oakwood Cemetery.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Adeline Swanson; her husband, Duane Arnold; and brother, Wesley Swanson.
She is survived by her four children, David (Nancy) Arnold of Seattle, WA, Barbara (Jeff) Brown of Rochester, MN, Mary Hamilton of Rochester, MN and Susan (Mike) Kielty of Rochester, MN; and her eight grandchildren, Kelly Woodward, Kerry Nash, Katie Herr, Heather Abbott, Jeffrey Brown, Alison Kielty, Natalie Kielty, Charlie Kielty; and twelve great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Seasons Hospice, Bethel Lutheran Church, or a charity of your choice.
A special thanks to the staff at Seasons' Hospice and the Marsh at Waters on Mayowood for the care they gave Helen at the end of her life.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Arnold family. To leave a special memory please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Barb and Arnold family,
Condolences on the passing of your Mom Helen. Although I did not know her it looks like she was a special lady who lived a long, full life and since my Mom's name was Helen that makes her even more special! Hope your hearts will heal remembering the many memories you shared together.
Dan & Rita Marquardt"
"Prayers to all the family members. I know Helen was such a sweet, loving and caring mother , grandmother , and great grandmother . You were blessed to have her for so long in your lives; but never easy to let her go to heaven. Hugs to you all. "
"I have so many great memories of Helen ( and Duane ?Ho?)and am forever grateful for all the fun trips to Florida that I was invited to go on with you and your family Sue! My heart aches for all of you. Thinking of you and sending hugs and prayers. Sara Lovett "