Helen Ann DeSleer

Mass of Christian Burial for Helen DeSleer, 89, of Marshall, formerly of Green Valley, will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 17, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with a CCW Rosary at 4:00 p.m. and a Parish Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. at the Horvath Remembrance Center in Marshall. Visitation will continue on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at the remembrance center. A livestream and recording of the service will be available at www.holy-redeemer.com. 

Helen Ann (Klein) DeSleer was born on February 12, 1935, in Tracy, MN, to Charles and Ann (Dobias) Klein. She made her first communion and was confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tracy. Helen graduated from Tracy High School in 1953. She was united in marriage to Frank DeSleer in 1954 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The couple lived and raised their family on the family farm north of Marshall. They belonged to St. Clotilde Catholic Church in Green Valley where Helen taught CCD classes for many years. She was very active as a 4-H leader by judging at county fairs and chaperoning for many trips. After moving to Marshall, she worked as a cook at the Marshall Middle School, a Realtor for Century 21 and a part-time taste tester at Schwan’s. Helen volunteered for many years at the Thrift Shop and she sewed quilts with the church ladies.

Helen was a Board Member of the Adult Community Center and belonged to the CCW and the CDA. She and Frank enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing and attending grandchildren’s sports, school activities and 4-H events. She also enjoyed baking, sewing and playing cards. She especially loved spending time with her 13 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

Helen died on Friday, September 13, 2024, at the Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center in Marshall, MN. She is survived by her husband, Frank DeSleer of Marshall; daughters Kathy Devereaux, Patty (Randy) Lessman, Nancy (Barry) Andres and son-in-law David Ourada; grandchildren Christine (Steve) Nelson, Laura (Peter) Schneider, Steven (Deena) Devereaux, Erin (Danny) Colburn, Justin (Amber) Lessman, Becky (Ben) Nelsen, Kyle (Brittany) Lessman, Danielle (Mike) Durland, Ryan Andres, Tony (Kayla) Ourada, Adam (Erin) Ourada, Zach (Haley) Ourada, Ashley (Tanner Lind) Ourada; great-grandchildren Amelia, Rachel and Ben Nelson, Andrew, Bennett and Emma Schneider, Eli and Gavin Devereaux, Virginia Colburn, Taryn, Caledon, Messina Lessman, Kale, Brenna, Terra Nelsen, Beau and Bria Lessman, Rylee and Jocelyn Durland, Ellie Ourada, Blake, April, Chloe and Cassidy Ourada, Jorgen, Lydia and Arlo Ourada; brothers Dick Klein, Jerry Klein, John Klein and Jim Klein; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Anne Klein, daughter Judy Ourada, sister Evelyn Nauman and brothers Don Klein, Bob Klein and Chuck Klein.