Helen Wingblade Skon

Helen Gladys Wingblade was born on January 4, 1925, to Henry and Gunhild (Hagstrom) Wingblade in St. Anthony Park, Minnesota. The doctor traveled by horse and buggy through a blizzard from the East Side of St. Paul to assist with her home delivery. Helen was welcomed by her two older sisters, Evangeline and Alice. Three years later, their family grew with the arrival of her younger sister, Grace.

On Palm Sunday in 1933, at the age of eight, Helen accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She was baptized the following week at Central Baptist Church in St. Paul.

While attending Murray High School in St. Paul, Helen met and dated her future husband, Bill Skon. Helen attended Bethel College and later contributed to the war effort by working as a riveter for the Signal Corps at Telex Company.

In December 1945, Bill returned from his service in the South Pacific. They were married on September 6, 1946, in a ceremony officiated by Helen’s father. In 1947, they moved to St. Louis, where Bill attended Logan Chiropractic College. Their son, Ron, was born in 1948, and Bill graduated in 1950.

The family returned to St. Paul, where Bill began his chiropractic practice. Their second son, Erik, was born in 1951. In 1952, they settled in Roseville, where they made their home for 51 years. Their family grew with the arrivals of their children, Bill Jr., Wendy, and Brian. They also extended their home to foster children, reflecting their deep care for others.

Helen was deeply involved in her church, community, and Lexington Elementary School. She dedicated many years as the director and teacher of the preschool program at Calvary Baptist Church.

Some of the family's most cherished memories were their camping trips to Scenic State Park, just north of Grand Rapids, and visits to Helen’s parents in Lansing, Iowa.

From 1979 to 1987, Helen worked alongside Bill in his chiropractic office until his retirement. In 1988, they began spending winters in Mesa, Arizona, near their son Ron’s family, a tradition Helen continued until Bill’s passing in 2001.

Helen also devoted 25 years to working and volunteering at Presbyterian Homes of Arden Hills. Her greatest desire throughout her life was to share her Christian faith and let her spirit shine through in every interaction.

In 2004, Helen met Oliver (Ollie) Johnson while volunteering. They shared ten wonderful years together until his passing in 2014.

For the last 12 years of her life, Helen lived with Wendy and Morris, enjoying each day to the fullest.

Helen is survived by her 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren:

• ~ Ron (Linda) Skon – children: Alyssa and Michael

• ~ Erik (Kathy) Skon – children: Jessica and Julie

• ~ Bill (Suzanne) Skon – children: Nathan, Cara, and Ben

• ~ Wendy (Morris) Johnson – children: Emily, Rachel, and Elliot

• ~ Brian (Peggy) Skon – children: Cameron, Brennan, and Alison

• She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, friends and Ollie’s loving family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents, Henry and Gunhild Wingblade; her sisters, Evangeline, Alice and Grace; and husband, Oliver Johnson.

Helen will be remembered for her unconditional love, strong faith, and the joy she brought to every life she touched.

Visitation 10:00 - 11:00 am Saturday, April 12 at North Heights Lutheran Church (Roseville Campus), 2701 Rice St., Roseville, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am. A luncheon will be served following the service.

Private interment at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to donor's choice.