Helen Mae "Tillie" Fladebo

1933 - 2023

Helen Mae Fladebo, age 89, moved to her eternal heavenly home on October 27, 2023.

Helen was born on the family farm in rural Isle, MN on November 5, 1933 and was the youngest of the late Walter and Betsy Tanglen's four daughters. Helen attended Isle High School where she played drums in the band, was a drum majorette and graduated in 1952. Helen met Duane Fladebo in school and they were married in December 1952. Helen was a lifelong resident of Isle except for a few newlywed years in Minneapolis and her final years in Onamia.

Helen had a lifelong interest in sewing and knitting and was frequently making dresses, outfits, curtains, afghans, scrubbies and other items for her children and neighbors. Helen was always on the lookout for great fabrics for her next projects. Helen used her sewing skills to create costumes for Isle plays and while working at Munsingwear Clothing in Minneapolis and at the Onamia Garment Factory. Helen worked at Ozzie's Café for many years and it is there she received her lifelong nickname "Tillie". Helen worked at Teal's Market in Isle into her 80s where she was friends with many co-workers and customers. Helen used her "amazing green thumb" in her big garden and produced beautiful flowers and abundant vegetables. Helen's numerous "puppies" were her constant companions throughout her lifetime. Helen loved dancing and music; especially classic country western music.

Helen is survived by her daughters Becky (Scot) Allen of Winton MN, Cindy (Eddy) Lyback of Wahkon MN, and son Danny (Joan) Fladebo of St. Stephen MN, 9 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces and others whom Helen touched throughout her life's journey.

Helen is preceded in death by her oldest child Randy Fladebo, daughter-in-law Lori (Samuelson) Fladebo, parents Walter and Betsy Tanglen, sisters Audrey Flatgaard, Arlene Broe and Peggy Abbott, late husband Duane Fladebo and special friend Dick Hibbard.

The family expresses its appreciation to the Mille Lacs Health System assisted living and nursing home staff for making Helen's last 5 1/2 years comfortable.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at the Hamilton Funeral Homes - Akkerman Chapel in Mora. A Memorial Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be in the Sunset Cemetery in Isle. Condolences may be posted at www.hamiltonfhs.com