Helen Leslie, age 82, of Mahnomen, MN, died unexpectedly Sunday, June 7, 2020, at Altru Health Systems, Grand Forks, ND.

Helen Grace Nelson was born on April 11, 1938 in Mahnomen, MN, the daughter of Bernard and Agnes (Myhre) Nelson.  She grew up on the family farm near Waubun, MN, graduating from Waubun High School with the class of 1956.  After high school, Helen began her career at the Mahnomen County Extension Service.  She met the love of her life, Raymond "Butch" Leslie, at a dance party and the couple were united in marriage on June 18, 1960.  They made their home in Mahnomen and were blessed with seven children.  After 37 years with the Mahnomen County Extension Service, she retired in 1993.  Helen liked to keep busy, was a hard worker, and had a genuine love of people, which is why she came out of retirement in 1994 to work at the Shooting Star Casino. She made many new friends and enjoyed her years of employment there before officially retiring in 2004.  She and Butch were married 52 years prior to his death in 2013.  Helen had an infectious smile, contagious laugh, and was very friendly and outgoing.  She was a loving wife and mother, and family was her greatest joy.  She cherished every minute spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Helen enjoyed watching the Game Show Network, especially "America Says"; and as an avid Minnesota Twins fan, spent countless hours watching baseball. Activities she enjoyed included board games, playing Yahtzee, working jigsaw puzzles and word searches, playing cards, baking, and listening to her grandchildren sing.  Helen was always up for a trip to the casino for karaoke, concerts of any genre, and to try her luck at the slot machines!  She was lovingly given the nickname "shoes" for the countless number of hours spent on the dance floor.  Celebrations were always a highlight and Helen loved to make each one of them truly special.  She treasured the family's annual Christmas baking weekend, passing on her favorite recipes, including lefse and peanut brittle.  Helen was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church.  She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Helen is survived by two sons: Frank Leslie of Mahnomen and Matthew (Roxana) Leslie of Aurora, CO; five daughters: Deborah (Paul) Kvale of Grand Forks, ND, Theresa (Doug) Sattler of Fargo, ND, Margaret (Philip) Bruss, also of Fargo, Marie Leslie of Mahnomen, and Karen Leslie (Matt Pinske) of Gary, MN; nine grandchildren: Timothy, Michael, Jenna, Jamie, Amanda, Kristy, Kiara, Kendra, and Matthew; five great-grandchildren: Ryker, Scarlett, Braxton, Tiago and Gavin; one brother, Jean (Shirley) Nelson of Waubun; brothers-in-law: David (Elaine) Leslie of Hibbing, MN, Steven Leslie and Richard Leslie, both of Mahnomen; one sister-in-law, Linda (Ronald) Bjerk of Mahnomen; and numerous nieces and nephews. Helen is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Butch; father-in-law, Raymond Leslie, Sr. and mother-in-law, Agnes Leslie; sister, Marie Erickson; four brothers-in-law: Jake Erickson, Robert, John, and Patrick Leslie; and two sisters-in-law: Jeanette Rowe and Janice Bailey.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Mahnomen, MN.

Following all safety protocols due to COVID-19 restrictions, St. Michael's Church is now able to seat up to 120 individuals for the celebration of Mass.  All must wear a mask to participate at a public Mass at St. Michael's Church.