Helen Lyman

1937 - 2025

Owatonna - Helen Lyman, 88, of Owatonna passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, at Ecumen Brooks in Owatonna surrounded by her family. Helen was born Hedwig Irmgard Fischer on January 10, 1937, in Nurnberg, Germany, daughter of Karl and Marie (Reinfrank) Fischer. Growing up in wartime and post-war Germany, she attended school in Nurnberg and later Ansbach. She was recognized early for her sewing talent and undertook a rigorous tailoring internship as a teenager.

In 1955, Helen met Verne Lyman, a corporal in the US Army, who was stationed in Ansbach. They were married on November 26, 1955, and she emigrated to the United States on January 10, 1956, settling in Nerstrand, MN. The couple was blessed with one son and three daughters, and moved to Owatonna in 1965. While raising her children, Helen worked as a seamstress and tailor and was known around town for her impeccable sewing work. Aside from sewing, Helen was an avid baker and in her later years enjoyed traveling with her sister. Above all else, Helen loved spending time with her family, who will remember her for her enduring faith, resilience and indomitable spirit.

She is survived by her four children, Randy (Heidi) Lyman of Owatonna, Renee (Larry) Kuyper of Naples, FL, Rhonda (Clay) Bulow of Naples, FL and Robin (Todd) Luthe of Owatonna; as well as seven grandchildren, Daniel Kuyper (Katie), Brent Bulow (Nikki), Brian Bulow (Faith), Andrea Jamison (Sean), Christie Wills (Jake), Carlie Veeder, and Bear (Brandon) Underdahl Lyman (Lianna); and 20 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Verne, her parents, and her nine siblings.

Visitation will be 5-7 pm, Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Michaelson Funeral Home in Owatonna, and continues one hour prior to the service at church. Memorial Service will be 11:00 am, Wednesday, December 31, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Owatonna with the Pastor Greg Schlicker officiating. Interment will be at a later date. The family would like to thank the staff at Ecumen Brooks and Ecumen Hospice for their care and expertise, as well as the pastors of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Owatonna for their ongoing spiritual support.