Helen Lerud, 81, of Molalla, OR, formerly of Thief River Falls, MN peacefully passed away on Saturday, October 26, 2013 at her daughter's home. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, November 2, 2013, at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN, with Pastor Irvin Schmitke and Pastor Greg Schram officiating. Burial will follow at Silverton Cemetery, rural Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will take place from 9:00 AM until 10:00 am at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, also on November 2nd. Helen Mae (Peterson) Lerud was born on August 14, 1932 in Warren, MN, the daughter of Clarence and Lillian (Carlson) Peterson of Stephen, MN. In 1950 she graduated from Stephen High School, and then attended Concordia College in Moorhead graduating in 1954 with a degree in Business Education. On July 9, 1955 Helen was united in marriage to Donald Lerud in Ulm, Germany while serving his country in the United States Army. In 1962 they made their home in Thief River Falls where they raised their four children: Dawn, Kraig, Jonathan, and Ann. Helen's teaching career started with substitute teaching in the Thief River Falls School District. For twenty plus years she taught high school at Our Saviour's Christian Academy, retiring in 1997. Upon retirement Helen made her home with her daughter and her family, first in Casa Grande, AZ, and finally in Oregon. Helen was a skilled seamstress, making many dresses and her daughter's wedding gown. She loved spending time with her family - playing games, camping, and traveling. Helen was a faithful member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. She is survived by her children, Dawn (Kjell) Melvie of Spearfish, SD, Kraig Lerud of Orlando, FL, Jonathan (Terry) Lerud of Hampden, MA, and Ann (Matthew) Nelson of Molalla, OR; grandchildren, Jessica, Kirsten, Ted, Danielle, Mariah, Bryana, and Brooklyn; great-grandchildren, Sophia, Olivia, Savannah, and Elijah; sister-in-law Lois Peterson, and sister-in-law, Rita (Arnold) Johnson; two nieces and three nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her parents, Clarence and Lillian; and her brother, Clarence Peterson Jr.