Helen Elaine Lyman

Helen Elaine Lyman, age 91, of Parkers Prairie, Minnesota passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2015 at the St. William’s Living Center in Parkers Prairie, where she was a resident for several years. Helen was born in Minneapolis on May 21, 1924 to Walter and Olga Olson. Helen was proud that both sides of her family had long and deep roots in Parkers Prairie, where she and her parents moved to when she was in grade school. Helen’s family and her faith formed the center of her life. She was baptized in Parkers Prairie at the Ferdinand Hawkinson family farm in the summer of 1924, and was confirmed at Augustana Lutheran Church (First Evangelical Lutheran), Parkers Prairie on June 5, 1936. She was an active member at First Evangelical Lutheran Church teaching Sunday school and Release Class, and participating in Women of the ELCA, Ladies Aid, and varies Circles. Helen graduated from Parkers Prairie High School in 1941 and obtained her teaching degree from St. Cloud Teacher’s College in 1943. She taught elementary school at Clinton, Motley, and Mora, Minnesota and Woodland, California. It was in Woodland through relatives, that she met Emerson Lyman, who was also a Minnesota native. They were married on August 31, 1951, to this union they were blessed with two children, Susan and Scott. Helen and Emerson lived in Woodland for two years before returning to Parkers Prairie, where they took up farming. Survivors include, her husband of 64 years, Emerson Lyman; daughter, Susan Lyman of Thousand Oaks, California; Scott Lyman of Alexandria, Minnesota; grandchildren, Jeremy of Dillon, Colorado, Kelley of St. Cloud, Minnesota, Megan of Alexandria, Cody of Alexandria, Jesse of Alexandria, and Mason also of Alexandria. Memorial donations may be made to First Evangelical Lutheran church or St. Williams Living Center, both of Parkers Prairie, MN, in Helen’s name. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at St. Williams Living Center and to the staff and volunteers of Douglas County Hospice for the loving care and support they so generously provided to Helen.

Helen Elaine Lyman

May 21, 1924 - July 30, 2015