Helen Ann Haugrud

Helen Ann Haugrud, 82, of rural Rothsay, MN died on Monday, August 29, 2016 at Sanford Palliative Care Hospital in Fargo, ND.   Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM, Friday, September 2, 2016 at Rothsay Baptist Church, Rothsay, MN with Pastor Leon Andersen and Pastor Wendell Wollin officiating.  Burial will follow in Prairie View Cemetery, rural Rothsay, MN.  Visitation will be 5- 8 PM, Thursday, September 1, 2016 at Dobmeier Funeral Home in Barnesville, MN with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM.  Visitation will continue at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.  Helen Ann Sillerud was born on January 1, 1934 the eighth born child of Bennie & Clara (Osten) Sillerud in Norwegian Grove Township.  She grew up on the family farm and attended country school (District 52) through the 5th grade.  Then she went to the Pelican Rapids School and graduated in 1952.  She enrolled in Concordia College, Moorhead, MN and graduated from there in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics and Education.  Following graduation, she taught Home Economics and Phy Ed in the Clarissa, MN public school.  On June 22, 1958 she married Harlan Haugrud of Rothsay.  After marriage she did some short term teaching in the Barnesville and Rothsay school systems.  Two children, Brent and Bryant, were born to this union.  She loved being a farmer’s wife and called herself a farmer, working alongside Harlan, Brent, and Bryant in the seed business.  A seedman’s wife for over 50 years, she earned the name “seed inspector general” by checking the seed plant and equipment for cleanliness.  Her work ethic included long days and weeks whenever required.  Her role in the business encompassed the entire operation, including tracking documentation and paperwork, sampling reports, bulk certificates, and lab certification reports.  The Haugruds have been Minnesota Crop Improvement Association (MCIA) seed producers for many years and Helen Ann was often the first person you would speak with when calling about seed distribution.    In January of 2009, MCIA and The Farmer magazine awarded her the Premier Seedsman award for exemplary service to the seed business.    Helen Ann was active in the community and did judging of clothing, food, and demonstrations at county fairs.  She loved music and served as an organist in various churches.  She especially loved studying Bible prophecy, always looking and waiting for the Lord’s return.  She liked baking, trying new recipes, embroidery, and playing games - especially with the grandchildren.  She also enjoyed giving puzzles to the grandchildren at Christmas.    She is survived by her husband Harlan, Rothsay, MN; two sons Brent (Debra) Haugrud and Bryant (Tracy) Haugrud both of Rothsay; grandchildren Benjamin (Jenna) Haugrud, Nathan Haugrud, Rachel (Greg) Schlangen, Bryce Haugrud, Tia (Lance) Johnson, and Bryton Haugrud; great-grandson Bruce Haugrud; sisters-in-law Mildred (Cal) Boen, Joyce Sillerud, and Aurlette (Harry) Plateau.   She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.    She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Byron, Jerome, Curtis and Donald; sisters Marcelle Nelson, Eleanor Redal, and Vivian Dobrovolny; nephews Roger Sillerud and Tom Sillerud; nieces Barb Orrick and Karen Redal.