Helen Talle

Helen Jansen Talle, 87, of Lake St. Croix Beach, MN, died October 25, 2016 at Our Lady of Peace Hospice in St. Paul, MN.

Helen Jansen was born to John Edward and Rachael (Keating) Jansen in St. Paul, MN and lived with her family at various St. Paul addresses before the family moved to Lake St. Croix Beach in 1946. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a major in Spanish and Latin American Studies.

Helen was united in marriage to Charles Talle on May 31, 1952. After their marriage they lived many places, including Long Island, NY, Long Beach and Vallejo, CA before returning to the family home in Lake St. Croix Beach. Helen worked as a social science researcher for the University of Chicago.

Helen’s passionate activities centered around her church and community. She was an active member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church of Lake St. Croix Beach. She filled many volunteer positions, including The Pastoral Council, Lector at her church, Coordinator of the Prayer Network, Board Member of the Historical Society of St. Croix County and Tour guide at the Octagon House in Hudson, WI. She was a proud member of Delta Zeta sorority. She was also the Park Commission Chair, certified City Tree Inspector, and Election Judge of Lake St. Croix Beach, she served on the St. Croix River Association doing water testing of the river, and served on the Drama Council for the Phipps Center of Hudson, WI.

Helen appreciated the St. Croix River everyday and never took it for granted. She always would say, “Have you ever seen a better place to live?”

Helen is survived by her sister, Rachael (Walter); sisters-in-law, Joan and Katy; nieces and nephews: Barb, Debie (Charlie), Teresa (Paul), Trude (Paul), Dave (Jan), Lynne (David), Dan, and Dan (Christa); and numerous great nephews and nieces.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband Charlie, brother John, and her many beloved cats including Mrs. McGillicuddy, Patches, and Woody.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 2, at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, 16770 13th St. S, Lake St. Croix Beach, MN. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1, at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 11th St. S, Hudson, WI, as well as one hour prior to the Mass at church on Wednesday.

Memorials are preferred to Our Lady of Peace Hospice, 2076 St. Anthony Ave, St. Paul, MN 55104 or The Church of St. Francis of Assisi, 16770 13th St. S, Lake St. Croix Beach, MN, 55043.