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July 12, 1932-Aug. 18, 2026
Kenmare
Helen Nelson (Anderson), 94, of Kenmare, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Minot Lodge Senior Living, surrounded by the love and memories of a life well lived.
Helen was born on July 12, 1932, in Kenmare, North Dakota, to Raynold and Vendla (Nordstrom) Anderson. She was raised on the family farm and attended a country school near Kenmare before graduating from Kenmare High School. She continued her education at Minot State University, where she proudly played the clarinet in the university band while earning her degree in education. Helen devoted several years of her life to teaching school, a calling that reflected her gentle spirit, patience, and love for children.
On June 7, 1954, Helen married the love of her life, Carmie Nelson, at Elmdale Lutheran Church in Niobe, North Dakota. Together they built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and family. They first made their home near Bowbells, where they raised their sons before purchasing a farm west of Kenmare. In 1976, they built the home where countless family memories were made and where Carmie faithfully farmed for many years. Helen remained on the family farm until Carmie’s passing in 2022. She later moved to Minot Lodge Senior Living, where she formed many treasured friendships.
Above all else, Helen’s life was a reflection of her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. As a devoted member of Faith Baptist Church in Kenmare, she loved the Lord wholeheartedly and found strength, peace, and purpose in her relationship with Him. Her quiet example of Christian love, kindness, and compassion touched everyone who knew her.
Helen’s greatest joy was her family. She faithfully supported her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, rarely missing their activities and celebrations. Her home was always a place of warmth and welcome, where the aroma of fresh baking filled the kitchen and love was served with every meal. Her grandchildren will forever remember baking alongside Grandma, enjoying her favorite buttermilk cookies, treasured pumpkin pies, and the countless family meals prepared with loving hands.
She found happiness in life’s simple blessings, singing hymns, playing the piano, reading, creating beautiful needlepoint, and cheering enthusiastically during basketball season, her favorite time of year.
Helen will be remembered as a loving mother, devoted grandmother, faithful Christian, caring sister, and loyal friend. Her gentle heart, steadfast faith, generous spirit, and unconditional love leave a legacy that will continue through the generations she so dearly loved.
Helen is lovingly survived by her sons, Lowell Nelson and Mark (Michele) Nelson; her grandchildren, Ryan Nelson, Crystal Jochim, Ashley (Jason) Huber, and Clay (Macie) Nelson, Kylee (Payden) Dronen; her cherished great-grandchildren, Macy and Morgan Jochim, Eden, Ember, and Jayes Huber and Hayven Nelson, and Saige and Tate Dronen.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carmie; her parents, Raynold and Vendla Anderson; her son, Gary Nelson; her grandson-in-law, Lee Helmers; and her great-grandson, Jaeger Huber.
Though her family grieves her absence, they rejoice in the promise she held dear -- that because of her faith in Christ, she is now at home with her Savior. Her favorite verse was Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not your own understanding" Helen’s life was a beautiful testimony of love, grace, and faithfulness, and her memory will forever remain a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Visitation: Thursday, August 27, 2026 from 10 am until service time at the Faith Baptist Church, Kenmare.
Funeral Service: Thursday, August 27, 2026, 11 am at Faith Baptist Church, Kenmare. The service will be Livestreamed and may be accessed by going to www.faithbaptist kenmare.com
Burial: Lakeview Cemetery, Kenmare, ND
Published by The Minot Daily News, August 21, 2026.