Helen Olesen, age 99 of Northfield, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at Three Links Care Center in Northfield.

Helen Grace Mulligan Olesen was born June 9, 1924, in Northfield to Thomas and Grace (Sheridan) Mulligan. She attended Rosary School (now Saint Dominic School), graduated from Northfield High School and Mankato State College. Following her education, she taught in Garvin and Rushmore, MN before marrying Curtis Olesen on December 28, 1948 at the St. Dominic’s Rectory. They settled in Northfield. Helen then taught in Dundas for two years before staying home to raise their children.

In 1961, she returned to teaching at St. Dominic School for an additional 25 years retiring in 1986. Helen was a longtime member of the Church of St. Dominic where she was active in the KC Auxiliary, serving funeral lunches, PTO and Christian Women.

In retirement, Helen loved to travel with trips to Europe, Hawaii, and Alaska. Helen enjoyed spending many months at their family cabin in Hackensack. She looked forward to hosting many holiday meals, family get-togethers and friends for coffee and cookies.

She loved spending times with her grandchildren playing dominoes, cooking, baking cookies and reading with them. She was delighted with her great-grandchildren’s innocence and youthful energy.

Survivors include her children: Stephen (Mary) of Inver Grove Heights, Patricia (Dale) Ede of Golden Valley, Elizabeth of Burnsville, and Mark of Saint Louis Park; three grandchildren: Andy (Monica) Ede, Sarah (Michael) Matter, Jessica Ede(Colin); 3 step-grandchildren: Patrick (Stephanie) Walsh, Mike (Bonnie) Walsh, Kim Walsh; 6 great-grandchildren, Clara, Allyson, Aaron, Nora, Myra, Zachary; 4 step-great-grandchildren, Jordan, Brooke, Ryan (Jessica), Adam Walsh; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years Curtis, her infant son Luke, her brothers Thomas Mulligan, Patrick Mulligan, Ray Mulligan, Emmett Mulligan and Donnie Mulligan.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at the Church of St. Dominic. Visitation will begin at 10:00AM prior to the service at the church. Lunch will be served in the church hall immediately after Mass. Following lunch, interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Northfield.

Memorials are preferred to St. Dominic’s School.

The Mass will be live streamed at https://vimeo.com/event/4190950

Arrangements are with the Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home. www.northfieldfuneral.com