Helen Lorraine (Matson) Bohlig

Helen was born July 24, 1919, to Austin and Christina Matson in Byron Township, MN. She was the eighth child of eleven, grew up on a farm, and went to a one-room schoolhouse where her oldest sister, Pearl, was one of her teachers. She was on the Waseca High School basketball team, graduating in 1937. On October 9, 1943, she married Lawrence H. Bohlig. Commitment to following the life of Christ was the basis for their life together and they were always involved in church activities. Helen was THE altar guild lady and involved in Lutheran Church Women, Lutheran World Relief, and multiple Bible studies. They were also a Scouting family and took their two children, David and Susan through Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts respectively, with Helen and Susan each completing 30+ years of involvement and service. As a family, they went camping as often as possible, which included much hiking. Helen loved wildflowers and birds. She could often identify a bird by its song and even mimic a few. Her favorite birds were the Cedar Waxwing and Cardinal. Helen also loved the Fourth of July, picnics, sewing, crafts (dabbling in a bit of everything), bowling, and traveling. Helen’s last place of employment was Sierra View Hospital in Porterville, CA as a CNA, where her favorite unit was the neo-natal unit; she loved her babies. While in Porterville, she belonged to a walking club and entered many races, often winning a trophy as she was sometimes the only one in her age group.
Helen completed her earthly journey on April 7, 2020, and there was much rejoicing in heaven. She was preceded in death by her son David, January 18, 1973, and her husband Larry, February 16, 1980. She is survived by her daughter Susan (Chuck), four grandchildren – Curt (Tricia), Cole (Rachel), Danny (Denise), and Sara (Albert) - and seven great-grandchildren – Jessica, Jordyn, Madelyn, Caden, Hanna, Liam, and Elsa.
Helen was buried in the Missoula (MT) City Cemetery next to her husband and son on April 15. A memorial service is pending.
Memorials may be made to Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Social Services, or the charity of one’s choice.