Helen Draves

Helen was born March 17, 1917 to Anna Martina (Grant) Olson and Albert Olson on a farm two and a half miles south of Staples, MN. She attended country school through the 8th grade, and town school through the 10th grade.

Helen married Gustav Draves on July 1, 1939. Two children, Carole and Ronald, were born to this union. Helen enjoyed working in food service throughout her lifetime. She worked at the Cardinal Café, Edies Café as a waitress and cook, decorated cakes for fifteen years at Harvs Bakery, and cooked at the Mary Rondorf Home until her retirement at age 80. She enjoyed cooking for family and friends and was known as one of the best apple pie makers in the area. Helen was especially fond of fried chicken and chicken and dumplings.

Helen liked to sew for her children. She enjoyed barn dancing, fishing, picking blueberries, and camping trips. Over the years Helen belonged to the First English Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, and Faith Lutheran Church. Her favorite Bible story was that of Cain and Abel and she truly believed that we are our brothers keeper. Helen nursed her husband, and both children through terminal illnesses.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Mildred, her husband Gus, and her children Carole and Ronnie. Grateful for sharing her life are her sisters, Lillian Duda of Pine City, Audrey (Ralph) Tholl of Motley, a brother, Arnold (LaQuita) Olson of Brookings, SD, her grandchildren, R.D. (Melissa) Draves, Mark Flansburg, Mike (Anita) Flansburg, nine great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, numerous nieces and nephews, special friends, Renee Stewart, Mary Kupfer, and Katie Gaugert.