Janet Lucille Helgren, 74, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Feb. 4, 2019, at Rochester Methodist Hospital following a battle with cancer.
Jan Hophan was born on March 24, 1944, in Plum City, Wisconsin, to Ronald and Lucille (Bechel) Hophan. Following graduation from high school, she attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Rochester, obtaining her LPN license. While in Rochester, she met and married Norman “Norm” Helgren on Aug.30, 1969, in Plum City. Jan worked in nursing for over 30 years. In retirement, she was very active in Elder Network, Community Food Response, and at Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church in Rochester. She was an avid gardener, card player, crafter, painter, and loved her family above all.
Norm and Jan Helgren lived in Columbus for many years and their children went to St. Isidore’s grade school before moving to Rochester, Minnesota. Jan was very involved in her children’s activities and in St. Isidore’s Parish.
She is survived by her husband, Norm of Rochester; her children: Stephen (Susan Halla) Helgren of St. Louis, Susan (Matt) Jenkins of Rochester, Marcia Helgren of Rochester; grandchildren: Meredith, Lewis, and Evan Jenkins, all of Rochester, Joey and Elek Borrelli of St. Louis; her sisters, Sr. Ronalda Hophan of LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Joan (Mike) Steffens of Owatonna, Minnesota, and Kathy (Tom) Cesa of El Cerrito, California.
She is preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Sr. Karen Hophan.
Memorials and sympathy may be sent to Susan (Matt) Jenkins at 5732-22nd Ave. NW, Rochester, MN, 55901.