Helen Staples

Mass of Christian Burial for Helen Staples, a lifelong resident of Morris, will be held on Friday, September 1, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Assumption Catholic Church with Father Todd Schneider celebrating the mass.  A visitation will be on Thursday, from 5-7:00 p.m. with Parish Prayers and Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Friday.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Morris. 

Helen was born on April 26, 1925.  She was 7 of 14 children born to Zeno and Ida Lesmeister who had a farm north of Morris. Helen was baptized and confirmed at Assumption Church in Morris.  She graduated from St. Mary’s School in 1942 and worked at Knowles Department Store before she met the love of her life, Wallace Staples. Helen and Wally were married on November 9, 1946.  Together, they had seven beautiful children and shared a farm life for 50 plus years. Their legacy also includes 15 beloved grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren, with the youngest being only  few months old.

Helen was actively engaged in many community activities across her long life. She was an avid member of two Homemaker’s Clubs and two birthday clubs into her early 90’s. In addition, she served on the Home Council and had a leadership role in the Synnes 4-H Club for many years. Volunteering gave Helen great joy.  She contributed her time and energy to the St. Patrick’s Mission Circle, the Guild at Assumption Church, and the local hospital’s Gift Shop.  She especially enjoyed volunteering at the Starbuck Nursing Home where her homemade donuts were a big hit.

Helen led a very active life and was not one to sit around.  In her youth, she played on the local women’s softball team.  Her other favorite activities included bowling, golfing, and cross-country skiing. Fishing with her boys was always a highlight. Helen also enjoyed playing card games and drinking wine with her sisters whenever they gathered.

She excelled at all types of crafts such as sewing, macrame, crocheting, needlepoint, and making quilts and blankets.  Helen was a wizard at cooking and baking.  Angel food cakes and apple bars were the family’s favorites.

Across Helen’s 98 years, she was surrounded by the love of her big family and many friends. Her grandchildren were the center of her universe. Her constant joy and laughter were contagious. Her generosity and thoughtfulness knew no bounds. She did so much for so many.

Her prayer of “dying in her sleep” was close to being answered.  She just slipped away in 4-5 days which gave her family time to say their goodbyes.  She left this world full of grace, just as she lived her life, and will be missed so very dearly. Helen passed away peacefully at the age of 98 at the Edgewood Assisted Living facility in Alexandria, Minnesota on August 26th, 2023, of old age. 

Helen is survived by her children: Dick (Mary) Staples of Kensington, Steve Staples of Morris, Ron (Juanita) Staples of Morris, Jan Mahoney of Alexandria, Pat Staples of Blaine, and Pam Staples of Minneapolis; 15 grandchildren: Dave (Amy) Staples of Kensington, Bryan (Angie)    Staples of Alexandria, Melissa (Bryan) Boll of Crookston, Suzie Rhode of Fargo, ND, Mike (JaNae) Staples of Hoffman, Bob (Trudy) Staples of Hancock, Christy (Tim) Steinbach of St. Cloud, Stephanie (Ryan) Popp of Richfield, Josh (Alisa) Staples of Alexandria, Zach Staples of Fargo, ND, Dani (Bryce) Benson of Morris, Jordan (Courtney) Staples of Chokio, Taylor (Haily Wolfe) Staples of West Fargo, ND, Paul (Christine) Mahoney of Kensington, and Jeff (Brittani) Mahoney of Andover; 41 great-grandchildren: Dawson, Gage, Ryder, Addison, Kyli, Jarin, Emma, Ethan, Cloe, Grace, Morgan, Eli, Max, Jet, Estee, Vera, Maverik, Riggs, Alexis, Kaitlyn, Trey, Ashleigh, Josie, Matthew, Summer, Hayden, Charlyee, Hadley, Ingrid, Evan, Colten, Noah, Layla, Aurora, Callahan, Lily, Elsie, Ivy, Finley, Kanin, and Archer; one sister, Joan Hanrahan of Morris; and a host of extended family.  Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Wallace; daughter Cathy; and daughter-in-law, Kathy Staples.

IN LEIU OF FLOWERS, MEMORIALS ARE PREFERRED TO ST. MARY'S SCHOOL.