Arlynne Helland, 88 of Prior Lake.
With her daughter by her side, Arlynne Helland, age 88, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, November 25, 2015, at McKenna Crossings, Prior Lake, MN.
Arlynne’s life will be honored at a Celebration of Life Service, Wednesday, December 9 at 11 am, with a time of gathering starting at 9:30 am, all at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake. Jean Breeggemann will be the Life Tribute Specialist.
Gracing this world on February 9, 1927 in Renville, MN, Arlynne Adele was born to parents, Lawrence Frederick and Elva Irene (Hoaglund) Knigge. For a long time the Knigge siblings were three sisters, Lois, Arlynne and Alice. Growing up during the depression years, time were hard. Yet, the home was filled with the girls singing and a lot of laughter. As a teenager and early twenties, Arlynne became the big sister to Bruce and Jacki. Despite the age difference and miles that separated them, she remained close to her siblings.
After graduating from Marshall High School, Arlynne headed to Minneapolis. She attended secretarial school and took employment with Stephens Buick. Upon meeting the love of her life, John Sigurd Helland, Arlynne devoted the rest of her life as a wife and mother. On October 2, 1948 at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Minneapolis, MN, Arlynn married John. Settling their roots first in Minneapolis, they became the proud parents to daughters Linda (1950) and Laurie (1957). The family relocated to Roseville and later to Shoreview, MN. Arlynne was always happy to drive her kids to all of their activities.
As a couple, there was countless hours enjoying John’s passion of music. Arlynne truly enjoyed listening and watching him play the piano. They also belonged to the Knickerbocker dance club for a few years. From the early 1970’s to the late 1980’s, she and John had a boat on the St. Croix River. Together, they enjoyed cruising, the beach and social time on the river. Later, Arlynne and John too enjoyed being involved in a Gourmet group, traveling to Mexico, Europe and business destination for John’s career.
In 1976, Arlynne and John took on the role as grandparents to Jennifer. Living just down the block, they spent a lot of quality time together. Swimming in the pool, babysitting when she was sick, trips to Marco Island or weekends on the St. Croix. Arlynne loved clothes shopping. As her girls grew up and Jennifer, Arlynne always made sure they looked clad in cute little outfits.
After John retired, Arlynne and he moved to Tucson, Arizona. She was able to design, build and decorate her dream home and spent the next 20 years there. They developed strong friendships that were tough to leave. But Arlynne had Parkinson’s and it was time to be near family. In 2005, they moved back to Prior Lake and lived at Lakefront Plaza. They would often be spotted walking all around Prior Lake.
At that same time, Arlynne’s step-grand twins Mason and Carter Pade were born. Annaston followed five years later. She was thrilled at the addition to Laurie’s family.
Arlynne enjoyed boating, gardening, long walks, needle point, bridge and socializing with friends. She was a great cook and enjoyed entertaining.
The last five years were challenging – Parkinson’s, two broken hips, a move to assisted living and finally confinement to a wheelchair. While often anxious, Arlynne managed to keep her wit, often cracking up everyone around her.
Left to honor Arlynne’s life and will forever hold her close in their hearts is her husband of 67 years, John; daughters, Linda (James) Rohr and Laurie (William) Criego; granddaughter, Jennifer Rohr; brother, Bruce (Mary) Knigge; sister, Jacki (Steve Mohwinkel) Knigge; other loving relatives and devoted friends.
Arlynne was welcomed into heaven by her parents, Lawrence and Elva; sisters, Alice (John) DeRoode and Lois (Bill) Theobald.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Prior Lake Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Helland family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
