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Helen Violet Thomas Gjesdal

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Helen Violet Thomas Gjesdal

Birth	:	16 Nov 1927 Grenora, Williams County, North Dakota, USA
Death	:	8 Jul 2017 East Wenatchee, Douglas County, Washington, USA
Burial	:	Evergreen Cemetery, Packwood, Lewis County, USA
Coordinate	:	46.6286011, -121.6750031
Description	:	Helen Violet Gjesdal November 16, 1927 - July 8, 2017 East Wenatchee, WA Helen Gjesdal was born to Harvey and Lillie Thomas on November 16, 1927, in Grenora, ND. She had one brother, Roger Thomas, who passed away in 2000. She has two surviving sisters: RoseMary McLean of Polsbo, MT, and Peggy Lagerquist of Williston, ND. The Thomas family were dryland wheat farmers. Surviving as a farmer during the depression was difficult, but the family managed to work a large farm and raise four healthy children. Helen excelled in school and was asked to sit in as a teacher in Grenora’s one room school house.... Read More	Helen Violet Gjesdal November 16, 1927 - July 8, 2017 East Wenatchee, WA Helen Gjesdal was born to Harvey and Lillie Thomas on November 16, 1927, in Grenora, ND. She had one brother, Roger Thomas, who passed away in 2000. She has two surviving sisters: RoseMary McLean of Polsbo, MT, and Peggy Lagerquist of Williston, ND. The Thomas family were dryland wheat farmers. Surviving as a farmer during the depression was difficult, but the family managed to work a large farm and raise four healthy children. Helen excelled in school and was asked to sit in as a teacher in Grenora’s one room school house. After she graduated, she caught the attention of Edward Gjesdal from Westby, MT, who recognized the virtues of a sturdy woman, who was beautiful and smart. On April Fool’s Day, 1947, Edward Gjesdal asked Helen to marry him. He was very much in love with her, but his choice of dates was less than optimal, and his belle was not amused. Still, she said “yes”, and the two were married on August 3, 1947. That same year, on a 100 degree day, with only $500 and a 1937 Ford (sans air onditioning), they headed west. After a brief stop in Portland, OR, they drove back east to the Tri-Cities, WA, where Edward got a job working at the Hanford Nuclear Plant. One of Helen’s favorite stories tells of her and Edward living in a 21-foot travel trailer in a park by the Columbia River. It was flooding and Helen made a frantic call to her husband, telling him the waters were nearing their tiny home. She packed everything up, and by the time Edward got the trailer hitched, water was swirling around the tires. What an adventure. Helen and Edward could build or create anything. Together, they built their own house. Edward would get paid each week, then go buy materials. Mom would work on the house during the day, and the two would work together when Edward got home from work. They worked seamlessly on any project they tackled. In 1959, they adopted a baby boy, Harvey. Always the consummate mother, Helen did not even consider getting a job until he was in high school. He was raised with firmness and compassion. No tear ever went unwiped, yet no bad behavior was left unaddressed. Helen and Edward raised their son to survive high school, college, and two wars while he was in the military. Amazing team work. Helen did go on to work as a manager in a retail store and at a restaurant. Everyone loved her. In 1985, Helen and Edward moved to Packwood, WA, where they owned vacation property. Helen was very active at the senior center. She was a member of the mountaineers, card groups, and managed Granny’s Attic, which helped raise money to support the center. Helen loved her friends in Packwood. She would often regale her son, Harvey, with stories of all the activities and laughs she had with other seniors. Helen also found her artistic side in Packwood. She loved painting with oils, but could master water- colors as well. In December of 2016, Helen and Edward moved in with Harvey in East Wenatchee, WA. They were able to spend Christmas with him and their grandchildren: Emily and Alex. Helen loved her grandkids and was so very proud of them. Her biggest joy was hearing about what they were doing and being able to give them big hugs. Helen was proud of her Norwegian heritage and could frequently be heard to say “Uff Da” when something went awry. She was very proud of her traditional dress, called a “Bunad.” She and Edward were members of the Sons of Norway and often rode on the club’s float during parades . . . Helen in her Bunad, Edward in his faux animal hair shirt and a horned helmet made out of an old construction hat. After a couple of hospital stays, Helen and Ed moved into into Bonaventure Assisted Living Facility, where the staff, naturally, fell in love with them. Sadly, Helen’s heart condition got progressively worse until she finally passed in her sleep on July 8, 2017. Helen Violet Gjesdal was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. To be sure, her family had no shortage of missteps and mistakes, yet her patience, love, and genuine caring was more than a match for those minor bumps in the road. Helen went through her life caring for her family, caring for her friends, and caring for her community. Our loss is a benefit to God, who now has her skills and sweet countenance among his angels in heaven. Helen’s Memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 9, 2017, at the Evergreen Cemetery in Packwood, WA. There will be a reception at 12:00 noon at the Packwood Senior Center. We love and miss her. Harvey Gjesdal, loving son. Obituary published in The Wenatchee World.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Helen Violet Thomas Gjesdal's memorial?
Helen Violet Thomas Gjesdal's memorial is located at: Evergreen Cemetery, Packwood, Lewis County, USA.
When did Helen Violet Thomas Gjesdal death?
Helen Violet Thomas Gjesdal death on 8 Jul 2017 in East Wenatchee, Douglas County, Washington, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Helen Violet Thomas Gjesdal's memorial?
Latitude: 46.6286011
Longitude: -121.6750031

Family Members:

Parent

Harvey N. Thomas

(1905 - 1966)

Lillie A. Thomas

(1907 - 2001)

Spouse

Edward John Gjesdal

(1920 - 2019)

Siblings

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Evergreen Cemetery
Packwood, Lewis County, USA
Coordinate: 46.6286011, -121.6750031

2. Hudson Grave
Longmire, Pierce County, USA
Coordinate: 46.7479900, -121.8182730

3. Silvercreek Cemetery
Randle, Lewis County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5407982, -121.9114990

4. Kehoe Burial
Randle, Lewis County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5318222, -121.9274673

5. Mt. Rainier Marine Plane Crash Site
Pierce County, USA
Coordinate: 46.8401020, -121.7792270

6. Mount Rainier
Pierce County, USA
Coordinate: 46.8698928, -121.7354670

7. Rainey Valley Cemetery
Glenoma, Lewis County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5476990, -122.0693970

8. Coleman Cemetery
Glenoma, Lewis County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5380970, -122.1083860

9. Christian Cemetery
Glenoma, Lewis County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5317993, -122.1406937

10. Mineral Cemetery
Mineral, Lewis County, USA
Coordinate: 46.7158820, -122.1748410

11. Henry Allen Gravesite
Pierce County, USA
Coordinate: 46.9990770, -121.5296300

12. Stiltner Memorial Cemetery
Morton, Lewis County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5613650, -122.2692440

13. Morton City Cemetery
Morton, Lewis County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5540710, -122.2844410

14. Alder Cemetery
New Reliance, Pierce County, USA
Coordinate: 46.7920200, -122.2888680

15. Eatonville Cemetery
Eatonville, Pierce County, USA
Coordinate: 46.8703140, -122.2733260

16. Riffe Cemetery (Defunct)
Riffe, Lewis County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5136700, -122.3813900

17. Mount Saint Helens Memorial
Skamania County, USA
Coordinate: 46.2770000, -122.2138000

18. Mashel Prairie Indian Cemetery
Eatonville, Pierce County, USA
Coordinate: 46.8476450, -122.3523380

19. Swofford Cemetery
Swofford, Lewis County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5032300, -122.4029200

20. Rainier Cemetery
Eatonville, Pierce County, USA
Coordinate: 46.8871994, -122.3274994

21. Peterson Cemetery
Yakima County, USA
Coordinate: 46.9216995, -121.0421982

22. Carbonado Cemetery
Carbonado, Pierce County, USA
Coordinate: 47.0823593, -122.0599060

23. Dunn Cemetery
Mossyrock, Lewis County, USA
Coordinate: 46.5417404, -122.4598618

24. Wilkeson Catholic Cemetery
Wilkeson, Pierce County, USA
Coordinate: 47.1115550, -122.0539550