Helga Retzlaff

Helga Ovidia Sotvik Retzlaff, 95, Aneta, ND died Sunday, August 25, 2013 at Aneta Parkview Health Center in Aneta.

Helga was born February 19, 1918 in Rugh Township near Aneta, ND to Sigurd and Marie (Norjord) Sotvik. She was baptized at Logan Lutheran Church and was educated in Rugh Township in a one-room school. She worked at area farms as a hired girl until her marriage to Ronald Retzlaff on June 10, 1939. They farmed west of Aneta for 35 years and moved into Aneta in 1964. Ronald died in January 2000. Helga was a member of Sundahl Lutheran Church, and was active in school and community events. She was proficient in quilting, various types of needlework, and was an avid gardener.

Helga is survived by her children, Robert (Linda) of Aneta, ND, Paul (Karen) of Aneta, ND, James (Pamela) of Eugene, OR, Vern (Arlene) of Dickinson, ND and Ruth (Alfred) Lund of Winthrop, ME; 7 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Borghild Bothen and Marly Antonoplos; brother Sidney Sotvik; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Helga was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ronald; brother Marcus; and sister Esther Kueber.

A celebration of her life will be held Thursday, August 29, 2013 at 2 p.m. at Sundahl Lutheran Church, Aneta, ND. Visitation will be one hour prior to services in the church. Interment will be in the Silent Hill Cemetery, rural Aneta, ND. Memorials can be sent to Aneta Parkview Health Center or the organization of your choice.