Helen M. Tritz

Helen Tritz, age 91, of Ortonville, MN, passed away on August 17, 2025, in Ortonville.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Catholic Church in Ortonville. Visitation will be held at the church, one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will be in Woodland Memorial Park Cemetery in Edgemont, AR.

Helen Margaret Tritz was born on July 11, 1934, in Graceville, MN. She was the daughter of Roy and Mary (Green) Siefert. Helen grew up in Graceville and attended parochial school.

Helen was united in marriage with Loyal J. Tritz on July 2, 1954, in Collis, MN. This union was blessed with two children: Polly and Thomas.

Helen was a loving wife, mother, and homemaker. She raised her children and farmed with her husband in the Dumont, MN, area. She took pride of her large garden and enjoyed preserving her harvest. Helen was a gifted musician. She taught music lessons for piano, organ, and guitar. She proudly served as church organist for St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Collis, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Graceville, and at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fairfield Bay, AR.

Following her husband’s retirement, Helen and Loyal moved to Fairfield Bay, Arkansas. They built a home there and enjoyed the local people, making many friends. It was a different way of life, compared to living in rural Minnesota, but they loved it! Loyal passed away in 2001. Helen remained in Arkansas until moving to Alexandria, MN, to be closer to her son, Tom. They recently moved to Ortonville.

Helen enjoyed quilting and it was a common sight to see a quilt frame set up in her living room. She also loved to read. She enjoyed gardening and canned or froze her harvest. She made delicious jelly and jam and loved to brew up homemade wine. Helen cherished her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a loving grandmother and proud of each grandchild and great-grandchild.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Polly Bosch of Missoula, MT; and Tom (Julie) Tritz of Ortonville, MN; four grandchildren: Justin Lewis, Eva Pickar, Dominique Hendrickson, and Branden Schultz; nine great-grandchildren: Faeryn Lewis, Blake Foos, Callie Foos, Dean Pickar, Rowdy Hendrickson, Rylee Hendrickson, Griffin Schultz, Tytus Schultz, and Piper Schultz. She was preceded in death by her parents: Roy and Mary; her husband, Loyal; two brothers: Bob and Tom; and two sisters: Mary and Abbie.