Helen Alto

Helen Anne Alto Helen (Mattila) Alto, 93, of Alexandria, Minnesota died at the Knute Nelson Home on Saturday, March 12, 2011. Helen was born on her family farm in Douglas County on March 3, 1918, the daughter of Arvid & Lydia (Ylemattila) Mattila. She attended District #5 School in Moe Township, Brandon and graduated from Alexandria High School. She continued her education at St. Cloud State University receiving her Teaching Degree. Helen started her teaching career in a one-room country schoolhouse. She later taught at Miltona and then at Lincoln School in Alexandria. Helen enjoyed her flower gardens, reading about her Finnish heritage, assisting with the genealogy of her family, and spending time with family and friends. Helen has blessed her family with a legacy of strength, independence, the power of hope and humor and the quiet dignity of grace. Mrs. Alto is survived by her children: Steve (Nancy), Paul, Dennis Alto, Mary Frendin; grandchildren: Daniel, Deborah, Denise, Mike, Stacey, Kevin, Lorrie; great grandchildren: Hannah, Katie, Nathan, Ana; brother, Howard Mattila; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents: Arvid and Lydia Mattila; brothers: Ed, William, Oscar, Axel, Stanley, Charles; sisters: Hilda Maria, who died in infancy, Hilma Bukkila, Martha Howard, Mayme Lahti, and Elma Pucher. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 16, 2011, 1:00 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home with Rev. Giles Ekola officiating. Burial was at the Finnish Apostolic Cemetery. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home. www.andersonfuneral.net