Helen E. (Olson) Swenson, 88, of New Richland died Friday, July 29, 2011 at the New Richland Care Center. 

Helen Eleanor Olson was born October 7, 1922 in Owatonna, the daughter of Hans C. and Anna (Johnson) Olson. She was raised on the family farm south of Hope, MN and attended District 86 country school and graduated from Ellendale High School in 1942.  She was united in marriage to Raymond O. Swenson on December 14, 1946 in Minneapolis at the First Covenant Church parsonage.  

Following their marriage, Helen and Raymond started farming in the Vista community.  Helen was employed by Birds Eye in Waseca for 32 years.  She enjoyed reading, canning and playing cards.  She was a member of the Vista Evangelical Covenant Church.  Later, Helen and Raymond moved from the farm into the city of New Richland and wintered in Mesa, Arizona.  Their marriage lasted 56 years.

Helen is survived by three sisters; Myrtle Bentley, Angeline (Gary) Parsons and Marion (Joe) McDilda, all of Owatonna; brothers in law; Russell Swenson of New Richland,  Marvin (Winnie) Swenson of Waseca; Rolland (Carol) Swenson of Otisco; sisters in law; Esther Dietrich of Waseca, and Kay Swenson; and many nieces and nephews.  Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond, her parents, and a sister, Violet Christensen.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, August 1, 2011 at the Vista Evangelical Covenant Church in New Richland with Pastor Steven Thompson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Church Cemetery.  Memorials are preferred to Vista Evangelical Covenant Church