Watch Helen's Funeral Service

Helen Renfrew, age 86, of Borup, MN, died on Monday, April 6, 2020, at the Benedictine Care Community in Ada, MN.

Helen C. Jaques was born on August 5, 1933, in Aitkin, MN, the daughter of Alfred and Inga (Peterson) Jaques.  She grew up in the Aitkin area and graduated with the class of 1951.  Following graduation, Helen moved to Duluth, MN, where she worked in the kitchen at Miller Hospital.  In the fall of 1951, she furthered her education at St. Luke's School of Nursing.  Upon completion of her studies as a Registered Nurse, Helen began working at Itasca Memorial Hospital.  In 1960, she moved to Twin Valley, MN, and began working as a nurse at the Twin Valley Nursing Home.  Helen met Raymond Renfrew and they were united in marriage on July 8, 1961, in Grand Rapids, MN.  The couple made their home on the farm near Borup and were blessed with three sons: Paul Raymond, James Duane and David Parker. They retired from farming in 1979 but continued to live on the farm and help the neighbors.  Raymond passed away in July of 2016 and Helen continued to live at their home until recently when she moved to the Benedictine Care Community in Ada.

Helen enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, gardening, and reading many books.  Every night she could be found watching Jeopardy and she loved to make meals for her family.  Helen had great faith that was evident in her daily bible devotions and she was the VBS Director and teacher at Winchester Church for many years.  She also attended church at SonRise in Ada, where she was known by many at the "card lady".  Helen was a member of the Helping Hands Club in Borup for several years.

Helen is survived by her sons: Paul (Kimberly) of Mesa, AZ, Jim of Fargo, ND, and Parker of West Fargo, ND; five grandchildren: Ryan, Timothy, Holly, EmmaClaire and Charlie; a brother, Alfred (Betty) Jaques of Shepherdstown, WV sister, Donna (Darryl) Johnson of Lindstrom, MN; sister-in-law, Katie Jaques of Chula Vista, CA; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Raymond; sisters, Alpha Jaques, Idena Beckman, and Erma Ann Jaques; and a brother, Vernon Jaques.

Blessed be the memory of Helen Renfrew.

Funeral Services were held Friday, July 17, 2020, at 10:30 am at SonRise Evangelical Free Church in Ada. Visitation was held Thursday, July 16, 2020 from 5-7 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm at the church and continued one hour prior to the funeral. Burial will be held in the Felton Cemetery.

Following all safety protocols due to COVID-19 restrictions, SonRise is able to seat up to 50 individuals for services.   All are encouraged to wear a mask to participate.