Lorraine O’Day Helling

Lorraine Helling, 85, of Edina, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at Yorkshire Senior Living in Edina.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, at First Memorial Funeral Chapel, 7110 France Ave. S., Edina. Visitation begins at noon, with a reception to follow the memorial service.

Lorraine O’Day Helling was born on Feb. 9, 1939, to Nelvin and Rena Hjelseth and grew up on the family farm outside Michigan, North Dakota. She loved her parents very much and stayed in contact with them throughout their lives. Lorraine attended school in Michigan, North Dakota, and Lake Region College in Devils Lake, North Dakota.

Lorraine married Milo Alfred Helling. She raised six children – Teri, Randy, Ronald, Laurie, Rod, and Rick – while living in the North Dakota towns of Michigan, Lakota, and Fargo. Being a mother of six and grandmother of 10 was her true calling in life, her greatest gift, and her biggest blessing.

Lorraine was loving, devoted, protective, strong, proud, and caring. She was also selfless, humble, gritty, smart, competitive, hard-working, and witty. Lorraine was a remarkable seamstress and tailor, and she could fix just about anything. She faced devastating family hardships and great loss in her life. Her resilience and ability to overcome adversity served her well throughout her lifetime. She always came through it because of her relentless spirit, fierce love for her children and grandkids, and her conviction to never give up and press on for them.

Lorraine is survived by her children: Teri Helling of Chanhassen; Laurie (Anthony) Obiazor of Eden Prairie; Rod (Pamela) Helling of Parkers Prairie, Minnesota; and Rick (Tomasa) Helling of Excelsior; grandchildren: Josie, Jordyn, Isioma, Nneka, Namdi, Chiddi, Jake, Josh, and Anna; brother Wayne and sister MarJean; brother-in-law Art (Phyllis) Helling of Roseville; nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Lorraine is preceded in death by her parents, Nelvin and Rena Hjelseth; her sons, Randy and Ronald; her grandson, Randy; and her brothers, Harley and Maynard.