Helen Rose Grafstrom of Columbia Heights, MN, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved her dearly.
Here is what we wish the world to know of Helen.
Helen held deeply to the Lutheran faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
What is held in faith is rarely lost.
Helen Rose Grafstrom
1921-2026
Helen was born in Minneapolis to Clifford and Barbara (Pregler) Coddington, the 4th of their 6 children. Long time resident of Columbia Heights. Her childhood was difficult, given that her mother became the sole support for the family. She remembered summers without shoes, and she and her brother would walk the train tracks to pick up fallen coal for heat. Thanks to a job offer from a kind librarian at Marshall High School, she was able to remain there, graduating in 1939. She went on to work as a rug weaver at the Chenille Rug Factory in Minneapolis, followed by many years in the dietary department at Fairview Hospital. She married Carlton Grafstrom July 5, 1947, and their only son, Carlton Jr, followed in 1948. She spent many years caring for family members, including her husband's 20+ year battle with cancer, and she also loved to volunteer with the many activities at her apartment building. Her favorite caregiving role, though, was to her 3 grandchildren and 2 great granddaughters. She loved traveling with her friend Bea in her later years, finding a new lease on life at a time when many others were slowing down. Family, faith, friends, baseball, and bingo are a great summary of the loves of her life. She is survived by grandchildren Charles (Carrie), Mathew, and Carol, along with great granddaughters Lillian and Maren. She is also survived by many other relatives and friends. Visitation Friday, May 8, at 10 am at First Lutheran Church, Columbia Heights with funeral service at 11 am. Memorials preferred to First Lutheran Church.
