Helen Loraine Purdy

Memorial services for Helen L. Purdy, age 92, of Alden will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday July 10, 2015 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Alden. The Rev. Greg Ofsdahl will officiate. Interment will be in the Alden Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 9, 2015 at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.
Helen died on Sunday afternoon, July 5, 2015 at St. John’s Lutheran Community.
Helen Loraine Purdy was born on October 20, 1922 in Winnebago County, IA, the daughter of David and Clara (Vold) Hanna. She grew up there and went to country schools. Helen graduated from Lake Mills High School in 1940 and went on to school at Luther College in Decorah. On March 24, 1945 Helen was united in marriage to Roy B. Purdy at the North Prairie Church in Scarville. They moved to the Alden area in 1951 where they farmed together until moving into town in 1984. Helen was very active in school organizations such as the PTA when her children were young. She was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, served on the Altar Guild and in various women’s groups. Early in her life she worked as a teacher in rural schools and at the Scarville School. Helen enjoyed baking, especially buns for which she was well-known, quilting, and growing flowers.
Survivors include her children George (Michell) Purdy of Mahtomedi, Carla Kilpatrick of Rochester, and Daniel (Joyce) Purdy of Albert Lea; grandchildren Mark (Erin) Purdy, Andy (Mollie) Purdy, Amy (Mike) Runkle, and Sarah Purdy; great-grandchildren Alli Runkle, Connor Purdy, and Clare Purdy; brother Reuben Hanna; brothers-in-law James Lovick and LuVern Purdy; sister-in-law Ovila Hanna; and many nieces and nephews.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Roy, two sisters, a brother, and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.