Ruth Marie Helland

Helland, Ruth Marie (née Tolman) (As written by Ruth Helland) Ruth passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 7, 2026 at Mount Olivet Careview Home in Minneapolis MN. She was age 98 ¾ and credits her longevity to a positive attitude. Ruth was born at home in St. Cloud MN in 1927. She was preceded in death by husband Philip, and daughters Mary and Judith. She is survived by son Michael. Ruth graduated from St. Cloud Technical high school in 1945. She was managing editor of the school paper; played flute and piccolo in the band, orchestra, and marching band; and participated in many extra-curricular activities. Ruth graduated summa cum laude from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1949, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics and English. She was first chair flute and piccolo player in the Symphony Band, wrote for the school paper, belonged to the Sigma Delta sorority, and engaged in many campus activities. She was also elected Freshman Queen. In the summers she worked as a lifeguard and taught swimming at the St. Cloud Municipal Pool. In 1946, Ruth was chosen Miss St. Cloud. She entered in the Aquatennial Queen Contest, and became the 1947 Aquatennial Queen of the Lakes. After college Ruth taught mathematics and English at Litchfield MN Junior High School from 1949-50. From 1950-1952 she taught mathematics at Bemidji MN Senior High School. In the summer of 1952 she took courses at the University of Colorado. Ruth was a graduate student from 1952-54 at Syracuse University, earning a Master of Arts Degree in Student Personnel Administration. Ruth aimed to be a college Dean of Women, but instead chose marriage to Philip Christopher Helland on July 10, 1954 in St. Cloud MN. The couple spent the next 3 years in Europe where Phil was hired by the U.S. Army Dependent School System as principal at Orleans American High School (France) 1954-55, and next at Augsburg American High School (Germany) 1955-57. Ruth did substitute teaching in mathematics. Son Michael was born in Augsburg in 1955. The family traveled extensively throughout Europe in those years, and Ruth and Phil took up skiing. In 1957, the couple returned to Willmar MN where Phil had been high school principal before marriage, but was now hired as Superintendent of Schools. Phil completed his Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) degree from Teachers College at Columbia University in New York City during this time (1957-1964). He also founded the Willmar Junior College and Vocational School. Ruth organized a Great Books discussion group, played flute in the community orchestra, and was active in many church and community activities. Daughters Mary and Judy were born in Willmar. The MN Legislature tapped Phil's expertise to organize a new state system of 2-year community colleges, and he became the founding Chancellor of the Minnesota Community College System, establishing and operating eighteen 2-year colleges for 20 years (1964-1983) until his retirement. The system was later incorporated into MnSCU and then Minnesota Colleges and Universities. The family moved to Burnsville MN in 1964 so Phil could be closer to his job. Ruth continued with Great Books and introduced Junior Great Books into the Burnsville elementary schools. In 2001, the couple moved to Gramercy Park Eagan MN (a senior co-op). Phil died in 2012. In 2017, Ruth moved to 7500 York in Edina MN (another senior co-op). Ruth served on the Alumni Board and later on the Board of Trustees at Gustavus Adolphus College (1964-1973). Ruth grew up in Salem Lutheran Church (of the Swedish Augustana Synod) in St. Cloud MN, with 9 years perfect attendance in Sunday school. She also belonged to Our Saviors in Savage MN, Prince of Peace in Burnsville MN, and Mount Olivet in Minneapolis MN. She taught Sunday school, and stayed active in churchwomen activities. Ruth loved grand opera, the MN Orchestra, and the Guthrie Theater, and was an active member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). She led many book groups, and was an avid knitter, crossword puzzler, scrabble player, and baker of cookies. Hundreds of her knitted sweaters, caps, mittens, and scarves have been sent to the Mayan children in Guatemala. She loved spending summers at the family cabin in Pequot Lakes MN, and was a devoted wife and mother. A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Avenue, Minneapolis, with a visitation one hour before the service. Burial will occur at a later date at the Tolman family plot at North Star Cemetery in St. Cloud MN. Memorials are preferred to Mount Olivet Careview Home or Grace Hospice.

Ruth Marie Helland

November 28, 1927 - September 7, 2026

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