Helene Thomas

Helene Thomas, age 76, of Fosston, MN, passed away on Wednesday, January 3rd, at her home. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 10th, at Vernes Lutheran Church, rural McIntosh, with the Rev. Jill Torgerson officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery at a later date. Family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the church. Arrangements are with the Carlin Funeral Home of Fosston and messages of condolence may be sent at www.carlinfuneral.com. Helene Terese "Rene" Wycoskie was born on August 22, 1941 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to parents Peter and Marie Mingo Wycoskie. She grew up in Robbinsdale, Minnesota and graduated from Robbinsdale High School. She was united in marriage to Richard Thomas on June 1, 1960 in Denver, Colorado. After their marriage, they lived for a short time in Denver before being transferred back to Minneapolis. In 1971, they moved to San Antonio, Texas and, in 1982, they moved to Fosston. In addition to raising her family, Helene worked at Dayton's in downtown Minneapolis and as a "grandma" at Win-E-Mac School, which she really enjoyed. Together Helene and Dick owned and operated "Dick and Helene's Restaurant" in McIntosh for 12 years. Helene was an amazing baker; loved birds, squirrels, and enjoying nature. She also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family.Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Richard, of Fosston; four daughters, Lori (Robert) LeCuyer of Duluth, MN, Deborah (Arlen) Halvorson of McIntosh, Erin (Ryan) Solberg of Goodridge, MN, and Ashley Tofsly of McIntosh; 10 grandchildren, Amanda LeCuyer (Dallas), Stephanie Westall, Rebecca (Mitch) Johnson, Ben Halvorson, Nicole Halvorson (Kameron), Ashlynne Solberg (Kent), Casey Solberg, Sydney Solberg, Jacquelyn Tofsly and Christopher Tofsly; 11 great grandchildren; three siblings, Arlene Schneider, Susan (Jack) Hill, and David (Janet) Wycoskie; her dog, Muffin; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Gail Wycoskie and Janet Alexander.