Helen J. McNally

Funeral services for Helen McNally of Morris, Minnesota, will be held Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Assumption Catholic Church in Morris, Minnesota, with Father Todd Schneider officiating.  Visitation will be Monday, August 21, 2023 from 5 to 7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. and time of sharing to follow, at Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Morris, Minnesota.

Helen Johanna Claassen, daughter of William and Meta (Umland) Claassen, was born April 7, 1936 on a farm South of Chokio. Helen grew up and attended country school, later graduating from Chokio High School with the class of 1954.  She was united in marriage to Robert McNally on July 29, 1954 in Chokio.  Helen and Robert lived in Chokio for a short time before making their home in Morris, where they raised their seven children.  Helen worked at Finger Hut for a short time. Helen would later begin working as a cashier at Willie’s Super Valu until her retirement.  Helen loved working at Willie’s and visiting with customers.  Robert passed away July 18, 2004.  Helen continued to live in Morris until the time of her passing.

Helen was a member of Assumption Catholic Church, one of the founding members and long-term secretary of Stevens County ARC, and a lifelong member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary.  She enjoyed sewing, shopping, flower gardening and square-dancing.  Most of all, Helen cherished time spent with her friends and family.

Helen passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at West Wind Village in Morris.  She was 87 years old.

She is survived by six children: Deborah (Clare) Anderson of Blaine, Mark (Debra) McNally Glenwood, Thomas McNally of Morris, Joel (Robyn) McNally of Morris, Kenneth (Sally) McNally Morris and Ruth McNally of Minneapolis; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; siblings: William Claassen of Great Falls, MT, Lorraine Smith of Great Falls, MT, Elmer Claassen of Alexandria, LeRoy Claassen of Black Eagle, MT and Jimmy Claassen of Chokio; special niece: Peg Suess of Morris; brother-in-law: Gene McNally and sister-in-law: Karen Claassen of Chokio.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her parents; one daughter: Tamera McNally; one grandson: Andrew McNally; three brothers: John, Harold and Kenneth Claassen and two sisters: Betty Voytoski and Diane Claassen.