Helen Medalen

Minot

Helen Ann Medalen, at the age of 85, Minot, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from the effects of dementia in the loving and compassionate care of Edgewood Memory Care in Minot surrounded by her loving family.

Helen was born to Kenneth and Martha (Evanger) Ferguson as the second of four children on August 30, 1940, in Grand Forks, ND. The family lived in Mentor, MN later moving to Grand Forks where she spent her early years and attended school at Winship Elementary School.

Helen’s mother became ill and was hospitalized for a time at San Haven and passed away in 1953 at the early age of 41. Her father remarried and passed away in 1964. During this period of time, the children were separated to their relatives. Helen came to live with her aunt and uncle, Emma and Roy Olson, on a farm near Willow City, ND. This actually became her home for the rest of her life. The other children were all united for a period of time at Olson’s. Emma and Roy had no children of their own but ended up with a family of 4 for a period of time.

Helen attended a rural school near the farm and then transferred to Willow City Public Schools in the 7th grade. She was active in many school activities and was the Drum Majorette for the high school band. She graduated from Willow City High School in 1958.

Helen attended Minot State Teacher’s College for two years and graduated with a Standard Teaching Certificate. She taught for one year at Parshall, ND. She was united in marriage to Ernest Medalen on June 26, 1960, at First Lutheran Church in Willow City. They moved to New Town where she taught 5th grade at Edwin Loe Elementary School for several years. While there, two children were born, Scott in 1966 and Julie in 1969. The family moved to Minot in 1972, and Helen retired from full-time teaching.

Helen worked part-time as a substitute teacher in Minot and a secretary for the Ward County Superintendent of Schools. She was involved in many hobbies, interests and activities including reading, cooking, sewing, baking, crafts, her special Coffee Group, Homemakers Club, and many church related activities.

Her favorite activity after retiring from full-time teaching was involvement and babysitting grandchildren. She spent a lot of time attending their events. She enjoyed the time with them, although attendance at some of the competitive events was stressful for her. Family was very important to her. As her mind functions deteriorated from dementia, the one thing that would bring a smile from her was a visit by grandchildren and especially her very young great-grandchildren.

Helen was very devoted to her Christian faith. She was baptized in Grand Forks, confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Willow City and was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Minot since 1972. She was a Sunday School teacher, confirmation teacher, participated in many Bible studies, and activities of the women and church groups. She introduced a new confirmation program to the students which was used for several years in teaching confirmation classes. Her many Bibles are filled with notes, dates and Bible verses she had jotted down during Sunday sermons and Bible study groups. She truly was a servant of her faith to the Lord.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, honorary parents Emma and Roy, many in-laws, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Helen is survived by her loving husband, Ernest Medalen of 65 years, of Minot; two children, Scott (Sara) Medalen of Minot and Julie Kalamaha of Minot; seven grandchildren, Emily, Mitchell, Mark, Courtney, Braden, Mick, and Josh; six great-grandchildren, Moxx, Millie, Declan, Luca, Caden, and Mickie; sisters, Marlene (Ron) Holden of Minot and Eileen (Sid) Loomis of Ray; brother, Bob (Joyce) Ferguson of Show Low, AZ; sisters-in-law, Marie Jordan, Carol Crabbe, Kay Lukosius, and Gracia Schepp; brothers-in-law, David Medalen and Mel Webster along with several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Our family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to the medical team at Edgewood Memory Care for the love and care provided to Helen during her stay. You will forever be appreciated.

Celebration of Life for Helen Medalen: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Christ Lutheran Church, Minot. To view the livestream of the service or to share memories and condolences access: www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Visitation: Friday, May 22, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Graveside Service: 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.

In lieu of flowers and plants, memorials are preferred to Christ Lutheran Church of Minot or to an organization of the donor’s choice.

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 19, 2026.