Helen Jane Pearson, 87, of Owatonna, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 24, 2016 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester.

She was born March 30, 1929, on the family farm in Granada the daughter of Raymond and Esther (Bremer) Kruger. Helen attended school in Granada, Rose Creek and rural schools near Oakland. She married Frank Pearson on March 2, 1952. They lived in the country near Lyle where they raised four children. They later moved to Owatonna and Helen remained a stay at home mom. She was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church where she enjoyed hosting Bible studies in her home for many years. Helen had a passion for collecting dolls, caring for her many plants, doing crafts with plastic canvas and crocheting. Helen was a very strong, independent woman. Her strong will to remain independent was the reason she was able to remain in her own home for so many years.

She is survived by her children, Mark (and Jackie) Pearson of Owatonna, Jane Pearson of Ellendale, Lori Pearson of Austin, David Pearson of Austin; 7 grandchildren, Brent (and Lori) Pearson of Mankato, Eric Pearson of Rochester, Nikki (and Alan) Callahan of Waseca, Matt Radke of Moose lake, Amy Strand of Ellendale, Bryan (and Brandy) Dirksen of Austin, Scott Dirksen of Geneva; 15 great grandchildren, Aubrie, Blake, Brayden, Brennen, Riley, Lucas, Brianna, Brendon, Brooklyn, Ali, Thomas, Aubree, Bradley, Sammy, Logan; brother, Harold (and Charlene) Kruger of Oakland; twin sisters, LaVonne Froiland of Oakland, Lois Chapek of Albert Lea and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by Frank Pearson; great grandson, Makio Radke; brother, William Kruger; sister, Delores Wood; sister in law, Genevieve Kruger; brothers in law, Wayne Wood, Kermit Froiland, Arthur Chapek; nephews, Stephen Froiland, John Wood, Randy Chapek and Andy Chapek.

Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday and at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 30, 2016, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church with The Reverend John Weisenburger officiating. Interment will be in the Oakland Lutheran Church Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Steele County Food Shelf or to the donor’s choice. Helen’s loving smile will be missed by her family and friends. Blessed be her memory.