Helen E. Koch

Helen E. Koch, age 86 of Faribault, MN passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Friday, August 1, 2025 at the Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, MN following a brief illness.

Helen Elizabeth, the daughter of Robert and Ardus (Latta) Nelson, was born on July 8, 1939 in Minneapolis, MN. She attended LeSueur High School and graduated with the class of 1957. Following high school she attended Mankato State University and later in life she would attended Faribault Vocational School. On September 16, 1961 she was united in marriage to Bruce Voelker. Together they raised four children, David, Gail, Elizabeth and Ardus. They enjoyed buying homes and fixing them up. They were also partners in a group that started the Mister Donut franchise in Faribault. They would later divorce. Helen was a home maker for many years and enjoyed volunteering as a room parent at school and wherever else she was needed. Later she began working part time jobs, including Faribault Foods and then worked for over 20 years at Sheldahl in Northfield, MN. Later in life she married Kenneth Koch. Ken preceded her in death on March 9, 1989.

Helen loved her family very much and especially enjoyed any time that her grandchildren were around. While her kids were growing up she enjoyed the time that they would spend at her family cabins on Roosevelt Lake near Emily, MN. Many memories were made there. Helen loved pets and the companionship they would give her. She also enjoyed gardening, crocheting, making crafts, golfing, watching the Twins and was an avid reader, she could finish a book in a day! She was a former member of the Mrs. Jaycees, Christian Women and the Hospital Auxiliary.

She is survived by her children, David (Chon Hui) Voelker of Marina, CA, Gail (Steve) Kohl of Faribault, MN, Elizabeth Reineke (Rick Perron) of Lakeville, MN and Ardus (Brett) Sturdevant of Chandler, AZ; by nine grandchildren, Yun Hui (Bob) Danforth, Bruce (Laura) Voelker, David (Lauren) Voelker, Jacob (Bailey) Kohl, Sara (Michael) Timmerman, Mitchell (Leticia) Reineke, Allison Reineke (Kyle Forsman), Ryder Sturdevant and Stephanie Perron; by six great grandchildren, Elizabeth Danforth, Emma Danforth, Cooper Danforth, Brooks Voelker, Grant Reineke and Genevieve Kohl; by her brother, Joe (Elayne) Nelson of McAllen, TX and by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Kenneth Koch, brothers, Douglas Nelson and Latta Nelson and by sisters-in-law, Lois Nelson and Eileen Nelson.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home in Faribault with Pastor Kira Anderson from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church officiating. Interment will be held at the Calvary Cemetery in Faribault.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home on Saturday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The Family prefers that memorials be directed to Rescue 55021, Furball Farm Cat Sanctuary or the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Fundraiser to promote children’s reading in memory of Helen.