Lena Marie Gagnon

Lena Marie Gagnon, age 105, of Ortonville, MN, died on Friday, April 14, at Fairway View in Ortonville, MN.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 28, 2023, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ortonville. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Burial will be at Mound Cemetery in Ortonville.

Lena Marie Gagnon was born on November 5, 1917, to Fred and Emma (Herman) Barnhardt in Pocahontas, IA. She attended elementary school in Pocahontas until the age of seven, when the family moved to Wilmot, SD. The family later moved to Big Stone City, SD, where Lena attended school until the 8^th grade. Lena’s family eventually settled on a farm near the town of Donnelly, MN.

Lena married Philip Gagnon on March 15, 1937, and she has lived in Ortonville since then. She was a homemaker, raised three children, and was active in the church. She assisted with funeral dinners, and the Bowl of Love ministry. Lena received the Bishop’s Medal in 1999, in recognition of her service taking care of the church linens and her dedication to prayer for others and for her church.

Lena loved her plants: tending her flowers, growing and canning vegetables, and nurturing her house plants. She also canned delicious pickles and chokecherry jelly. She enjoyed crochet projects and needle work. Lena’s true passion was baking, especially bread and cookies.

Lena Gagnon is survived by her children: Joe Gagnon of Big Stone City, SD; and Diane (Richard) Helmer of Chaska, MN; grandchildren: Kathy, Ann, Karen, De Anna, and Jesse; great-grandchildren: Andrew, Chris, Shane, Dale, Evan, and Jake; and great-great- granddaughters: Megan and Haley.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Philip; son, Dale Gagnon; grandson, Dean Gagnon; four brothers; and one sister.