Helen Rose Berry

HELEN ROSE BERRY, of Altura, MN died peacefully on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at age 90.

Born on May 30th, 1935, in Waseca, she was the daughter of Edward and Lina (Ehlenz) Bower. Helen received her education at Sacred Heart Catholic High School, graduating with the class of 1953. She continued her education at College of St. Teresa in Winona and Mankato State University where she studied elementary education. While Helen was in high school and college, she spent her summers working at Birds Eye in Waseca where she met her future husband, Roland Berry. They were united in marriage on June 16, 1956, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Together they made their home in rural Waseca where they raised seven children and shared 67 years of marriage before Roland passed away on July 6, 2023. After Roland’s passing Helen moved to Altura, MN to live with her son Edward and his wife Kathryn. They cared for Helen until the end of her life.

Throughout her life, Helen spent most of her time helping Roland on the farm, raising her children, cleaning her vehicle (when she needed a break from her children) and working alongside her husband and son at Berry Pallets. Helen also worked at the Casual and Walters Cookbooks in Waseca. Helen and Roland were members of St. Mary Catholic church and after church closed, they joined St. Joseph Catholic Church where she taught religious education for many years. Later in life they joined Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca. Regardless of where she went to church, she always gave of her time to help others. Helen was a member of a bridge club in Waseca and a couple’s card club. She also played Pfeffer with her church friends, dominos, and any other games her grandchildren wanted to play. Helen was a wonderful baker, cook – provided beautiful meals from her garden and canned goods. Her day was not complete with out dessert. As a child she was known to many as “Boomie”. Her sister who raised her always called her this because she was a tom boy, feisty like a firecracker and independent. She enjoyed snowmobiling and softball in her early years. Her family will fondly remember her for the love she shared with each and every one of them, her fun-loving spirit that allowed her to connect with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and the generosity that she shared with her family, friends and neighbors.

Helen is survived by children Richard (Kathy) Berry of Janesville, Lori (John) Underwood of Waseca, Edward (Kathryn) Berry of Altura, Daniel Berry of St. Peter, Paul (Sarah) Berry of Janesville, Thomas (Jamie) Berry of Rochester and Lynn (Paul) Beutz of Eau Claire, WI; 20 grandchildren; and 18 grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters, Gloria McLoone and Barbara (Jack) Kritzer; sister-in-law: Theresa Berry; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter-in-law, Jill Berry; brothers, Tom (Joan) Bower, Jim Bower, sisters, Bonnie (Rex) Kastner, Mary (Jack) Haines, and Jane (Jim) Sybilrud; sister-in-law, Eileen (Jim) Morgan; brothers-in-law, Jim Berry, Brian McLoone; father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Goldie (Armstrong) Berry.

The family extends the greatest amount of gratitude to all the healthcare teams and individuals who assisted her on her heavenly journey. Nancy Bambenek and Denise Sackreiter from Caring Hearts & Hands Home Health/Hospice Care. Interim Hospice Care and our dear friend, Bonnie Kalmes.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM on Monday, August 25th, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Waseca. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM and continue until the time of the service at the church on Monday.