Helen Lois Wittrup, 98, of Bismarck, ND, formerly of Turtle Lake, ND, died Monday, March 24, 2025, at the Baptist Health. Funeral service will be at Turtle Lake Baptist Church, Turtle Lake, ND on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 11:00AM with Pastor Keith Wolderich officiating. Visitation will be Friday, March 28 from 7:00-8:00PM at Grace Lutheran Brethren Church. The burial will be in the Turtle Lake Cemetery.

Helen was born on January 14, 1927, in Bellingham, Washington to John and Jessie (Satterlee) Kraft. At an early age, she and her family moved back to ND. She graduated from Turtle Lake High School in 1945. Helen married Edwin Grueneich on June 11, 1950. They had 6 children: Royal, Mark (Paula), Myron (Kathy), Randy (Kathryn), Kathy (Mark) Rodgers, and Nancy (Roger) Larson. Edwin passed away in February of 1964. Helen then remarried Lawrence Wittrup on July 4, 1965. Lawrence passed away in February 2011. She has 16 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

She attended the Chicago Evangelistic Institute for two years. Helen taught in a rural school west of Turtle Lake for two years. She worked as a nurse's aide at the local hospital from 1958 until she retired. Her last years there she was the activity director.

Helen served on the Turtle Lake-Mercer school board for nine years. She was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary, serving in several capacities. Helen attended Christian Women's Club for more than 30 years and served in various capacities.  She also served as municipal judge for the city of Turtle Lake. Helen was a lifetime member of the Turtle Lake United Methodist Church. She served in various offices in the church and in the United Methodist Women.

She was known for her sewing skills.  She replaced many zippers over the years and made alterations for the people in Turtle Lake and the surrounding area.  She loved the challenge of a difficult sewing project.

Helen made the decision to give her life to the Lord at a young age and sought to serve Him faithfully.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and sister, Betty Lu Voth.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, former husbands and three brothers and two sisters.

Donations in her memory can be made to Asbury Camp in Washburn or the United Methodist Church of Turtle Lake.