Helen Florence Manning

Mrs. Eugene (Helen) Manning, 84, of Fergus Falls, died Saturday, January 21, 2017, at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls. Though she struggled with Parkinson’s Disease for a number of years, her final battle was with acute leukemia.

Helen was born on November 29, 1932, in Bagley, the daughter of George and Esther (Hansen) Rud. She grew up in rural Bagley, where she attended rural elementary school and graduated from Bagley High School in 1951. She attended Teacher’s Training at East Grand Forks and taught in rural schools in Becker County for three years. She furthered her education, graduating from Moorhead State Teachers College and then teaching in the Thief River Falls school system from 1956 to 1958.

Helen met Eugene Manning while they attended Moorhead State Teacher’s College, and the couple married on June 2, 1957. They first lived in Thief River Falls, where sons Steven and Mark were born in 1958 and 1961. The family moved to Fergus Falls in 1963 where son David was born in 1965.

The Mannings lived in their home at 1328 Linwood Court for more than 50 years. Helen enjoyed daily coffee breaks with her neighbors for decades and these special friendships continued through her final days.

A longtime member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Helen was active in WELCA, Circle, Tuesday Bible Study and the Altar Guild. She taught Sunday School for many years, and also taught Tuesday and Wednesday Release Time classes. She served on the Synod Women’s Board, the Synod Board of Directors, the Deaconess Committee, and she worked as a Stephen Minister.

Helen also served many civic organizations. She was a charter member of P.E.O. Chapter DU. Helen served as an election judge for many years. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother and an active member of the Fergus Falls Education Association Faculty Wives. Helen was also a member of the Sons of Norway, Reading Club, Birthday Club, and many other community organizations.

Over the past 24 years Helen attended or followed the many activities and accomplishments of her six grandchildren, who brought her great joy. Despite declining physical health, which limited Helen’s ability to visit friends and participate in activities, Parkinson’s Disease brought Helen and Gene even closer together as they shared her final years.

Helen was preceded death by her parents; her brother, Jennings Rud; and two brothers-in-law, Vernon Gilbertson and James Amundson.

Survivors include husband, Eugene Manning; sisters, Gunda Gilbertson and Gayle Amundson; sons, Dr. Steven Manning, Pastor Mark (Joyce) Manning and grandchildren, Siri, Britta, Erik, and Kurt, and David (Heidi) Manning and grandchildren Zachary, and Ian.

Online condolences may be sent to www.OlsonFuneralHome.com