Helen Marie Aas Arntzen passed away on March 25, 2021, releasing her spirit from her worn out body to find new social interactions as she explores the universe.

Helen counted her family and friends as her greatest and most irreplaceable treasures. She considered knowing them and loving them her greatest success. She often said, "I can't believe how wonderful my friends have been to me." She made it a rule to never miss a milestone in the lives of her children and grandchildren, and there were many: from school graduations to theater performances and athletic games to weddings, baptisms, and award or special events.

Helen loved reading, dancing, singing, walking, playing card games of all kinds, attending plays, concerts, sporting events, and supporting any and all civic activities in Bottineau. She was free-spirited and up for a party at the drop of hat--and there did not need to be a specific reason.

Born a child of the Great Depression, she was very frugal, and it actually pained her to throw anything away, but at the same time she was extremely generous when it came to giving back to her community, friends, worthy causes and supporting local businesses.

Helen's infectious love of life, curiosity and love nourished and guided us all. She had an incredible joy for life and felt that life's obstacles were not deterrents to success or happiness, but rather that they were part of her path in life and were overcome with perseverance and determination.

She exhibited tremendous courage and persistence as she overcame her personal obstacles. Macular degeneration took her sight and she lost most of her hearing, but that did not deter her in the least from engaging with the world. She never wanted to burden anyone with feeling like they had to take care of her, especially on her more challenging days.

When first married and starting a family, she experienced financial hardship for many years. Helen once said she was surprised when our family reached the point where monthly income would cover expenses. Imagine her delight when there was enough money to travel to Norway, China, Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Alaska and throughout United States and Canada. She walked on the Wall of China. When visiting these places, she wasn't content to just see the sites but also wanted to learn as much as possible about them by travelling through Elder Hostels, which offered talks and classes on regional topics.

Although she loved to travel, her heart belonged to North Dakota. She felt that most people in the country did not realize the great attributes of the state, so she took it as her duty to act as ambassador, championing North Dakota to the people she met on her travels.

Thoroughly immersed in politics, Helen was also active in VFW, DFL party, book clubs, Red Hats, and the Social Service Board. She volunteered with Rocking in the Hills, Iron Man Race, and the county fair. She was devoted to her church and regularly attended Bible study. Helen had a beautiful singing voice and often sang at weddings, church, and funerals. She was an amazing cook and loved the opportunity to share fabulous meals with both friends and strangers.

Helen worked hard throughout her life and enjoyed being employed at the Blue Diamond Café, Piggly Wiggly and as the Bottineau County Librarian. She also worked at the college and was a committed supporter of the college and its activities.

Helen taught us to not be afraid of a challenge and to take on those stretch assignments. She taught us that life is fascinating and achingly beautiful and we need to be curious and continually learn, to live it to the fullest and believe that enough is a feast. She lived her life with a passion for love and acceptance of all people, spreading her values to her friends and family

Helen is preceded in death by her husband, Neil Arntzen, and son Mark Arntzen. She is survived by her brother Lynn Aas of Minot, six children, 16 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Help keep Helen's compassion, love, and generosity alive by donating to, or volunteering at, Bottineau College or one of the charitable organizations she loved.

You are invited to join us in a celebration of Helen's life on April 7 ^th at 2 pm at First Lutheran Church in Bottineau with burial to follow at Oak Creek Cemetery. The celebration of life will be live streamed on First Lutheran's Facebook page. There will also be a public viewing on April 6 ^th from 4 pm until 7 pm at Nero Funeral Home.

You cannot lose a person, only their body, for the rest of them can be found in your heart and mind.