Service Information
Helen C. Popp, age 99, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, at her home in Hutchinson.
Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2019, at 11:00 A.M at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Hutchinson with interment in Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held two hours prior to the service, from 9:00-11:00 A.M. at the church.
Memorials preferred.
Obituary
Helen Catherine Popp was born on February 16, 1920, in Lester Prairie, Minnesota. She was the daughter of North and Esther (Schoeppler) Packer. She was baptized as an infant and was later confirmed in her faith as a youth, both at Methodist Church in Lester Prairie. She received her education at Lester Prairie High School and was a graduate of the class of 1938. Helen then furthered her education at Hamline University and St. Cloud State University.
On March 10, 1945, Helen was united in marriage to Howard Popp at the Methodist Church in Lester Prairie. This marriage was blessed with four children, Lynne, Nancy, Gregory, and Maryne. Helen and Howard resided in Clara City, Minnesota before moving to Hutchinson in 1956. They shared 44 years of marriage until the passing of Howard on October 30, 1989.
Helen was a teacher in Silver Lake, Plato, and Hutchinson for 38 years until her retirement in 1980. She was a tremendous mentor and role model to the hundreds of students who were lucky enough to have her as a teacher.
Helen was often greeted by former students, “Hi Mrs. Popp” and they would rekindle fond memories and how their lives had progressed since school. She was a talented seamstress. She sewed clothes for her children and grandchildren, including the dresses her daughters wore to homecoming and prom, and bridesmaid dresses for their weddings.
Helen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed going to the cabin in the summer months, even when her grandsons dumped her off a jet ski, fully clothed with a fresh hairdo!
Helen was also a faithful member of the Bethlehem United Methodist Church, serving in the women’s study group and S.O.S. She was also a member of the Hutchinson Hospital Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, and Delta Kappa Gamma Teacher’s Organization. Helen volunteered at the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop, the information desk and gift shop at Hutchinson Health, and for Meals on Wheels.
Helen passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, at her home in Hutchinson, Minnesota, at the age of 99 years. Blessed be her memory.
Helen is survived by her:
Children, Lynne Barthel and her husband, David, of Plymouth, MN,
Nancy Anderson and her husband, Charles, of Sauk Centre, MN,
Gregory Popp and his wife, Julie, of Palm Springs, CA,
Maryne Schmidt and her husband, Joseph, of Maple Grove, MN;
Grandchildren, Kristi Gavin and her husband, Bob, Ryan Anderson, Bret Anderson and his wife, Julie, Brooks Anderson and his wife, Tristin, Adam Schmidt, Amber Schmidt;
Great-Grandchildren, Brett Gavin, Megan Gavin, Charlie, Easton, Alex, and Ellery Anderson;
Sister, Constance Hines of Wayzata, MN;
Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Helen was preceded in death by her Parents, North and Esther Packer; Husband, Howard Popp; Brother, Wayne Packer; Sisters, Marjorie Noren and her husband, Edmund, Merriam Wycoff and her husband, Orville; Brother-In-Law, Melvin Hines.
A special thank you to Helen’s long-time physician, Dr. Leah Schrupp, Allina Health Hospice Staff, and Helen’s very special caregiver, Sandy Winseman, without whom we would have been unable to keep her at home.
Colleen Perrone says
My greatest sympathies to all of the Popp family! Your mother was an amazing woman and loved by so many. She is with God now but will always be in your hearts! Love, Colleen Fay Perrone
Pat Buske says
What a beautiful woman inside and out. She will be surely missed. God’s blessings and comfort to her family.
Julie L Roberts Popp says
Heaven was blessed with the most beautiful woman in the world. Mama Helen guided me, she filled my heart and soul with peace. I love her so much and will think of her often. The laughs and joys will be on my mind. Helen Popp made the world a much better place, I love you Mama Helen!
Gail Nuessmeier says
As a member oF Alpha Gamma with Helen she was an amazing charming lady. I have many fond memories of her talents she shared with our group. Blessings to,the family.
Doug and Suzi Swarthout says
Nancy and Marni, your mom was a very special lady! Know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Pam Borgmann says
So sorry to lose such a beautiful soul. We will miss her. “There is a time for every season under Heaven”. Pam B.
Susan Pease says
I will miss Aunt Helen so much. She was so much fun to be with. Her smile lit up the room and I was in awe of what detailed memories and events she could easily recall even at 99. I loved receiving her hand made cards throughout the years. Love you always Aunt Helen!
Doug and Suzi (Stritesky) Swarthout says
Nancy and Marni, your mom was a very special woman! Know your family is in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Joanie says
Aunt Helen was such a beautiful soul. I remember coming to visit her when I was 15 and I was so fascinated that she had made so many things – the curtains in her home, the dresses for her girls. I remember listening to her talk – because I am from Texas and I loved hearing her talk! I especially loved hearing the stories she told about the family. This past January I was blessed to be with her again. I wrote down everything I could while she was telling stories. She talked about her teaching years, my daddy and her sisters I know she had so many more stories. I will miss her so much. What I love the most is the sparkle in her eyes made me smile and she was so filled with love – I felt like I was home when I was with her. I love you. Say hello to Daddy.
Donna Coles Seller says
I wish to extend my sincere sympathy to the Popp family. I had the privilege of being one of her students, and later the honor of being one of her colleagues. As has been stated, she was a beautiful and gracious lady and I respected her a great deal. It was always fun to run into her when she was out for lunch, accompanied by Nancy. She was a special person and I will remember her fondly.
Jill Attwood says
Blessings and sympathies to your family. Mrs. Popp was my 1st grade teacher (many years ago) and I remember all the kids loved her! I’m sure I speak for many of her students who remember her fondly. Grace and peace.
Mary Catherine McKenna says
My mom finally joined her friend Helen in heaven on August 1, 2020 at age 97 and 8 months!!!!
Oh the laughter those two probably had upon meeting again!
Mom enjoyed our road trips to visit Helen in Hutchinson and oh that food from the Irish restaurant!
Know that their friendship is forever!
Hugs from
Mary Catherine McKenna
Bill Schaefer says
The Relationship & Friendship With The Helen & Howard Popp Family Will Never Be Forgotten . The Blink Of These Times Are Etched In My Mind & Soul . Together Again ! I Love You All ! Bill Shaefer / Roseville , California .