Helen Henriksen Smoyer

Helen Smoyer (née Henriksen), age 97, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, in North St. Paul, Minnesota. Born on December 29, 1927, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Helen lived a long and vibrant life marked by devotion to her family, Christian faith, and creative passions.

Helen was the daughter of Kristian Henriksen and Hulda K. (Mattsson) Henriksen and grew up alongside her brother Harry Henriksen in Milwaukee. Early childhood was during the Great Depression, where lifelong lessons of gratefulness, compassion, and enjoying life’s “little moments” were founded. High School was shadowed by the monstrous and momentous Second World War, experiencing first-hand the anxieties of a “Missing in Action” Telegram for her brother Harry, who months later, by God’s grace, being changed to POW. Helen and her family were truly a part of The Greatest Generation.

Teaching was a dream, and Helen attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin, with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Soon after, Helen taught Kindergarten—a fitting choice for someone whose nurturing spirit would define her life.

Helen married Raymond H. Smoyer, Sr., with whom she shared 58 years of marriage before his passing. Together they raised five children: Raymond H. Smoyer Jr., Howard K. Smoyer, Randall H. Smoyer, Robert J. Smoyer, and Lori E. Smoyer. Helen cherished her role as a mother and found immense joy in raising her family.

Creativity, humor, a nurturing spirit, and love for family, friends and God were the cornerstones of her life. Helen was a prolific artist in multiples of mediums including oil painting, watercolor painting, illustrating, and stained-glass creations. Humor was Helen’s “middle name” as she loved the jokes observed in day-to-day life, and retelling, and giggling all the while. Her nurturing spirit had Helen teaching community exercise classes for years, was active at her churches, and volunteered for charitable activities. And selflessly putting her friends and family first, throughout her life.

Helen was predeceased by her husband, Raymond H. Smoyer, Sr., her brother Harry Henriksen, her daughter-in-law, Sharon Smoyer (Raymond, Jr.), and her friend Philip Smith.

Helen is survived by her sons; Raymond H. Jr.(Jill), Howard K. (Kathleen), Randall H. (Kristen), Robert J. (Vicki), and her daughter, Lori E.

Her legacy continues through her grandchildren—Kristen L. Smoyer, Jerry R. Smoyer, Robert Smoyer, Matthew Smoyer, Katrina Rolfson, Kristen Kuelbs, Shelley Debol, Matt Fitzke, and Eryn Kamph —as well as thirteen great-grandchildren who brought her endless pride and happiness.

Memorial Service Friday April 17 at 1:00pm with visitation 12:00pm at Sandberg Funeral Home, 2593 E. 7th Ave, North St. Paul, MN 55109