Helen J. Turk

Helen Turk, formerly of Aurora, passed away peacefully at Waterview Pines in Virginia, Minnesota on Monday February 19th, 2024, at the age of 92.

Helen was born on June 4th, 1931, to Ignatz and Katherine (Jancher) Novlan in Elcor Minnesota. She grew up in Elcor and graduated from Gilbert High School in 1949. Soon after graduation Helen began working at the Arrow Shirt Factory. On September 27th, 1952, she was united in marriage to Karl Turk of Aurora, Minnesota. There she became a homemaker and mother of 3 daughters and a son. As a young mother, Helen was an excellent seamstress, sewing all of her daughter’s dresses along with matching doll clothes, then later teaching her daughters how to sew. As her children grew older, Helen became a member of the Biwabik Garden Club. Her greatest passion and source of enjoyment was gardening, adding many gardens and planters throughout her yard. She grew a large variety of flowers which were in constant bloom, providing intense beauty all summer long for everyone to enjoy. She would proudly give a “garden tour” to whomever showed an interest. Along with gardening Helen enjoyed ceramics, woodworking yard decor, crafting many plastic canvas projects and walking her beloved dogs Annie and Gerrtie almost every day at Fisherman’s Point. She could also bake an excellent walnut potica and apple strudel. After her husband passed away in 1980 Helen went back to school and ultimately got a job at Hearing Conservation Inc in Virginia where she worked until retirement. She also rekindled a very close bonding friendship with an old classmate Frank Suhadolc, thereafter, spending every day together and sharing in all her endeavors. She was a member of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church. Helen will be deeply missed and remembered by her family.

Helen was proceeded in death by her parents, husband Karl, daughter Kay Lach along with sisters Kate, Mary, Rose and brothers Ignatz and John.

Left to treasure her memory are her special friend and companion Frank Suhadolc, daughters Carol (Ted) Dimberio, Patricia (Thomas) Curtis, son Karl (Donna) Turk Jr, 8 grandchildren, 12 great-great grandchildren along with other relatives and friends.

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Waterview Pines and Essentia Hospice.

In keeping with Helen’s wishes, no services will be held. The family plans on having a private burial later this year.  Local arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora.