Helen Harriet (Rodgers) Robertstad
April 13, 1923 - June 02, 2020
Obituary
MADISON – Helen H. Robertstad, a longtime Madison resident, joined her family in heaven on Tuesday, June 2, 2020. She had been a resident of Belmont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the past four years.
Helen Harriet (Rodgers) Robertstad was born on April 13, 1923, in Chatfield, Minn., to Irish immigrant parents Andrew and Mary Alice (Huggard) Rodgers. Her childhood was spent on the family farm in the Chatfield area, where she attended Bear Creek Elementary School and Chatfield High School. Helen married John A. Robertstad, the love of her life, on Dec. 6, 1946, in Madison. They attended St. Luke's Episcopal Church. They were one of the early families of the church, where she served on the Flower Guild and Prayer Chain for many years. Helen loved to garden, sew, make crafts, preserve foods by canning, travel, and host friends and relatives. She loved the Brewers, even in their toughest seasons. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Helen is survived by her son, John R. (Cathy) Robertstad of Waukesha, Wis./Fort Meyers, Fla.; daughter, Linda (Ken) Dresang of Madison; five grandchildren, Lauren Robertstad, Stephanie Robertstad, Nathan (Alexa) Robertstad, Sarah (Corey) Strahm and Andrew (Elizabeth) Dresang; six great-grandchildren, Henlee and Camilla Robertstad, Brady, Liam and Avery Strahm, and Aaron Dresang; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded In death by her parents; her sisters, Miriam Rodgers and Edna Johnson; brothers, William and John Rodgers; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Orvis Johnson, Marie Rodgers, Vivian and Arthur Knudsen, Ruth and Bernard Refvik, Gordon and Janice Robertstad, Harriet and Ernest Long, and Glenn and Hildegard Robertstad; and mother- and father-in-law, John and Ingeborg Robertstad.
The family would like to thank all those who supported Helen in her life. Special appreciation to Karn, Mike, Diane, St. Luke's Flower Guild/Parish, the staff at Wildwood Clinic (especially Dr. Midelfort and Dr. Bruce) and the staff at Belmont (especially Cynthia, Linda, Jillian, Kendra, Musa, Sharon, Dawa, Jenny, Fawn, Susan, Amber, and Tykia).
Due to public health concerns, there will be no service or visitation at this time. A private family committal service will take place at Highland Memory Gardens in Cottage Grove with the Rev. Donald Fleischman officiating. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date at St. Luke's Episcopal Church.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
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Toni and Paul Caleb
Other •
Our deepest sympathies to Helen's family. She will always hold a special place in our hearts as a member of our St. Luke's family. I always admired her beauty, graciousness and her pearls! We were blessed to have known her. We are praying for Linda and Ken and all of her family. God Bless.
LR
Laurie Robertstad
Other •
Dave and I were so sorry to learn of Aunt Helen’s passing. She was always so good to me and my family, which I appreciated greatly. She had the best sense of humor and I always enjoyed visiting with her on our few trips to Madison. Our deepest sympathies to Linda, Ken, and the rest of the family. Much love to you all.
CM
Calvin S. Bruce MD
Other •
Sorry to hear of Helen's death. It was my honor and privilege to be her physician once upon a time. She was well loved and well cared for by her family and my condolences to them at this time of loss. Cal Bruce
SG
Sandra Griffin
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Linda- I was so sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. I remember how close you were to both of your parents. You must miss your dear mother so much. — Fondly, Sandy (Thompson) Griffin, Class of 1972
JK
Jenny Kupcho
Other •
We were saddened by Helen's passing but are honored to have been given the privilege of taking care of her in her last years of life. We loved her spunk and zest for life, infectious laugh and smile, and all the fun times we had together in activity programs. She is already missed by so many here. My condolences to all of you during this time of loss. --Sincerely, Jenny K., Dir. of Life Enrichment at Belmont
JS
Julie Sherwood
Other •
Linda and Ken, my deepest condolences at this time. I know how difficult it is to lose a parent, no matter what age you are.
I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers