Helen Noeske

1933 - 2022

Helen Joy Noeske, 88, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2022 at the SMP Health-St Raphael Care Center of Valley City, ND. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends whose lives she had touched in so many ways.
Helen Joy Winter was born on the family ranch at Cannon Ball, ND on October 23, 1933 to Charles and Hazel (Haney) Winter. She was baptized and confirmed in the Evangelical Lutheran Faith. In 1945 she moved with her family to Getchell Township north of Valley City, ND.
Helen Joy began school at the age of 4, as her brother Jim wouldn't go without her. She graduated in 1950 from Valley City High School. After attending Valley City Teachers College for one year, she received her Elementary Certificate at the age of 17 and began teaching grades 5 through 8 at Noltimier Consolidated School north of Valley City.
On September 26, 1953 she married Ralph Noeske in Valley City and they made their home on the family farm where they raised their four sons Brad, Bill, Jim and Jerry. Helen Joy was active in teaching Sunday School, 4-H Leadership, Homemakers, Farmers Union, Friends of the Public Library, Sheyenne Valley Garden Club, United Methodist Women, church circle, and she was passionate about the Epworth Methodist Women's Bazaar.
Helen Joy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved to attend her grandchildren's activities. She made sure any time with them was special. Helen's love of hostessing and writing led her to collaborate with Sophie Grotberg to publish two Party Planning books. Helen will be remembered for her beautiful flower gardens, her storytelling, her passion for cooking and baking, her unforgettable buns and caramel rolls, and for her selfless and giving nature.
Helen is survived by her four sons: Brad (Janelle) of Valley City, grandchildren Jeff (Jessica), Jill (Zach); William (Nancy) of Valley City, grandchildren Stephanie (Kris), David (Amanda), Nick; James (Aimee) of Edina, MN, grandchildren Beau (Jen), Jayme (Lanre), Blake (Suzie); Jerome (Amy) of Valley City, granddaughters Jenessa and Lindsey; eight great grandchildren, sisters-in-law Carol Winter Bjorge and Myra McKay, and brother-in-law Gerald Noeske.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband Ralph, her parents, her siblings Richard, James, William, Charlotte, Delores, infant brother Joseph, and grandson Samuel Jerome.
Visitation will be from 5-7pm Thursday, July 7, at Epworth United Methodist Church in Valley City. The funeral service will be 10am, Friday, July 8, with visitation one hour before the service at the church.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City. An online guestbook is available at olivernathanchapel.com