Helen L. Arola, 97, Virginia, formerly of Idington, passed away on Monday, November 18, 2024.

Helen was born in Field Township on December 11, 1926, to Stephen and Pearl (Paraska Pyngren) Picek. She attended School #19, Cook School, Alango School, and the Hibbing School, graduating in 1944. She went to work for the Cook News Herald in 1944 and then worked as a bookkeeper for the Cook Co-op Creamery from 1945-1947. She worked for Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois for a year from 1947-1948, where she was a cook at the Theta House serving 100 girls. She returned to work at the Cook Creamery from 1948-1950. She married Elmer Arola on June 17, 1950. Together they operated a dairy farm and raised Polled Herefords.

Helen was a talented baker and crafter. She catered for 13 years baking wedding and occasion cakes. She knitted 100's of pairs of caps and mittens which she donated to the grade schools. She also made fleece headbands and neck gaiters, decorated Ukrainian eggs and Faberge beaded eggs, crocheted afghans and Christmas decorations. She worked for A.G. Thomas Christmas Tree Factory making wreaths and garlands. Helen kept herself busy all her life, but her most important jobs were being a wife, homemaker and mother to her five children. She was a long-time member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Alango, MN. Her other achievements included a certificate of appreciation from the Northland Volunteer Center "2014 Hall of Fame Award" and a Range Respite Volunteer Certificate.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Elmer Arola; her son Dale Arola; her sisters: Ann Picek, Mary Rudduck and Julia Lind; and brothers: John Picek, Bill Picek, Peter Picek, Harry Picek, Steve Picek and Mike Picek.

Helen is survived by her children: David (Janis) Arola, Sandra (Lyndon) Nurmi, Sharon (Glen) Aune, and Susan (Tim) Waataja; sister Katherine Aune; sisters-in-law: Donna Picek, and Margaret Picek; grandchildren; Theresa (Jason) Bush, Zachary (Michelle) Aune, Connie Cuffe, Janet (Craig) Merten, Kyle Arola, Dr. Paul Nurmi; great-grandchildren: Jocelyn Carver, Zander Cuffe, David Bush, Zachary Bush, and Katelyn (Alben) Brennan; step grand-children: Jack Pahkala, Joe (Dana) Pahkala, Cory Merten, and Austin Merten; and great-great grandchildren: Emma Brennan, Aaliyah Brennan, Nolan Brennan, and Sophie Brennan

There will be a private family interment at a later date.