Helen Carter

Helen Carter, longtime St. Peter resident, died peacefully at age 97 on October 19, 2023 in Woodbury, Minnesota. Helen grew up on a farm in Alcester, South Dakota. After high school graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C. to work at the U.S. Treasury Department during World War II. When the War was over, Helen returned to the Midwest and graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter in 1949 with degrees in History and Economics. There, she met her future husband, Claire, while sitting across from each other in Economics class. They started a family and resided in St. Peter. 

Helen later went on to get her Master’s Degree in Business Education at Minnesota State Mankato. She worked as an accountant in the Business Office at Gustavus for over 30 years and she treasured her career and co-workers. A devoted mother and grandmother, she was an avid reader and loved traveling the world and playing Bridge. Her favorite times were when she was with her family and friends at her family lake cabin. She will be remembered for her kindness, positive attitude, and adventurous spirit.

Helen is survived by her daughter, Yvonne Neils (Steve); sons, Craig (Jacie), and Kerry (Marilyn); four grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her loving husband, Claire; her brother, Walter Johnson; and her parents, Amy and Winfield Johnson.

A memorial service will be held at First Lutheran Church in St. Peter, MN on Friday, October 27 at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be at the church one hour prior. A luncheon will follow the memorial service.

St. Peter Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, www.saintpeterfuneralhome.com