Helen Kelso

Helen Rose Kelso, 75 passed away peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021 at her home in Lake Mills. Funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday February 9, 2021 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 115 5th Ave. N.W. Buffalo Center, with Father Andrew Marr officiating. Visitation was held 4-6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 8 at Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 902 East Main St., Lake Mills. A rosary service was held at 3:45 p.m. for all to attend, and a Scriptural Wake Service was held at 6 p.m. at the funeral home on Monday. Burial will be held in Graceland Cemetery in Buffalo Center.

Helen’s service was recorded and can be viewed on the Schott Funeral Homes website. Go to www.schottfuneralhomes.com, click on Helen’s picture, and from her obituary page, click on “tribute wall” tab to find the webcast link.

Helen Rose (Murray) Kelso was born November 5, 1945, the daughter of John E. and Alice J. (Bravick) Murray in Buffalo Center. She was the youngest of five children. Helen graduated from Buffalo Center Community School in 1964. When she was younger, she enjoyed showing cattle from the farm. She attended Mason City School of Cosmetology, graduating in 1965.

Helen was united in marriage to John Thomas Kelso on February 4, 1967 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Buffalo Center.

She owned and operated Kurl Kastle in Thompson from 1965 until the fire happened on the east side of main street. Helen then worked alongside her husband, John, in the feed and farming business. In 1988, John and Helen moved to Lake Mills and resided there the remainder of her life. She worked at Winnebago Industries and the Albert Lea Hospital.

Throughout her life, Helen was active in many things. She was involved in the Democratic Party, local and state level, Red Cross volunteer, RSVP volunteer, carelink and the Legion Auxiliary, along with being a long-time member of the Booster Club.

She enjoyed following her boys in football and wrestling while they were in high school and later while they were in college. She was probably their loudest cheerleader. Later on, she enjoyed supporting her grandchildren’s many activities. Helen also enjoyed camping and waterskiing with her husband and most recently spending time at their spot at Silver Lake.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Jim, Chuck and John; along with one sister, Margaret and nephew, Mike Moening.

She is survived by her husband, John, of Lake Mills; sons, J.C. (Teresa) Kelso and Jeff (Michelle) Kelso; grandsons, Justin, Blake, Aaron, Austin and J.T. Kelso. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Bev, Carol and Elenor; along with her many nieces and nephews.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.schottfuneralhomes.com