Helen Clarice Michael

Helen Clarice (Peterson) Michael, age 90, of Minnetonka, Minnesota, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

Born on July 20,1935 in Austin, Minnesota, to Clarence and Lucille Peterson. Helen grew up with a strong sense of faith and heritage. She attended Queen of Angels grade school and St. Augustine Catholic High School, where she met her future husband, James "Jim" Michael. Before marriage, Helen worked as a dental assistant and proudly celebrated her Irish and Norwegian roots throughout her life.

Helen and Jim married in 1955, beginning a beautiful journey together that spanned nearly 40 years. During Jim's service in the U.S. Navy aboard the Yorktown Carrier, they lived in California and Washington, then returned to Minneapolis to raise their family. Together, they were blessed with nine children-six sons and three daughters-creating a legacy of love that continues today.

Family was Helen's greatest joy. She sewed clothes for her children, taught her grandchildren to sew, and shared her talents in knitting, quilting, and baking. Her Christmas breads were legendary, and her homemade treats were cherished by all who tasted them. She instilled in her children and grandchildren the values of faith, service, and creativity.

Helen was deeply devoted to her Catholic faith. A long-time parishioner of Resurrection Church (now Our Lady of Peace) in Minneapolis and Mary Mother of the Church in Burnsville, she attended daily Mass and was an active member of the National Council of Catholic Women and the Divine Mercy Cenacle. A highlight of her spiritual journey was a pilgrimage to Medjugorje in 1998 with her son David, where she walked the path of the Virgin Mary's apparitions.

Beyond her family and faith, Helen contributed to her community through work at a real estate office, Dayton's department store, H&R Block, and involvement in Minneapolis politics. She gave generously of her time to church and civic life, embodying her role as a defender of life and a woman of service.

Helen was known for her wit and sense of humor. She had the gift of finding laughter in everyday life and often said that "just about anything" could make her laugh. Her joyful spirit was contagious, bringing lightheartedness to family gatherings, church events, and friendships.

Music was always playing in Helen's life. She delighted in singing-whether in church, at family celebrations or simply around the house.

Helen had many close friends, when people visited there was always something to eat and often a card game. Helen was an excellent card player and passed her love of card games to her grandchildren. She played by the book and grandchildren had to rise to the challenge if they wanted to win.

Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jim, who passed in 1995, and her son Gregory (Jodell), her sisters Madelyn (Robert), and Darlene (Dean). She is survived by her children Cathleen Butler (Timothy), Colleen Westerlund (Stephen), John, William (LeAnn), James (Jamie Jil), Lucy Hoivik, Daniel, and David (Paola), her sister Joyce (Jack), her brother Bernard (Eddie), 21 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Helen was a determined woman, and her life was a testament to family, love, faith, music, and creativity. She often said that God had given her a good and rich life, and she embraced each day with gratitude and joy. Her laughter, her songs, and her kind spirit will be remembered by all who knew her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 7, 2025, at Mary, Mother of the Church, Burnsville, Minnesota.

Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., at the church.

Memorials preferred to the Saint Paul Seminary, 2260 Summit Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105 http://www.saintpaulseminary.org