Helen B. Gronvold

ROCHESTER -Helen B. Gronvold, 100, died on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at Sunrise Cottages in Rochester. Helen was born near Hawkeye, IA on July 15, 1912 to Hans Peter and Hazel (Swale) Richardt.She lived most of her life in the Rochester area.Helen married Lawrence Gronvold and they later divorced.She worked at the Mayo Clinic for 29 years, retiring in 1977.She was a member ofMayo Friendship Club, a charter member of the Senior Citizens Center, and a past Noble Grand of the Rebekah Lodge.She enjoyed ceramics, playing cards, volunteering, and traveling with the Mayo Friendship Club.She also enjoyed crocheting and making many afghans. Helen is survived by four daughters, Correne Clauson, of Cannon Falls, MN, Marlys Fredley, of The Villages, FL, Beth Ann Bipes, of Rochester, and Shirley (James) Anderson, of Scottsdale, AZ; a brother, Thomas (Ruth) Richardt, of Rochester; thirteen grandchildren, Deb (Jeff) Harrison, Jacksonville, FL; Ruthie (Dave) Sjoblom, Wanamingo, MN; Diane (Pat) Whalen, Rochester, MN; Paul (Elrene) Clauson, Kenyon, MN; Rhonda (Tim) Casey, The Villages, FL; Jay (Susie) Gillespie, Verona, WI; John (Deb) Gronvold, Hollywood, FL; Dave (Amy) Bipes, Manhattan, KS; Brenda (Steve) Hinsch, Goodhue, MN; Barb (Wayne) Hensen, Davis Junction, IL; Bridgit (Allen) Mazuk, Eau Claire, WI; Dr. J.T. (Bethany) Anderson, Parker, CO; and Tristen (Kevin) Crosier, Thornton, CO.; twenty great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren; six step great grandchildren;sixteen step great great grandchildren; and nine step great great great grandchildren. Helen is preceded in death by her parents; a son, Gerald Gronvold; a sister, Ruthie Richardt; a brother, Leslie Richardt; and a son-in-law, David Fredley. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at Bethel Lutheran Church, 810 3rd Avenue SE, with Rev. Dr. Norman Wahl officiating.Visitation will be an hour prior to the service at the church.Burial will take place at Grandview Memorial Gardens. Memorials can be directed to Bethel Lutheran Church. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW,Rochester, MN. (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com