Helen Jansen

Helen Marie Jansen (Sandkamp) a lifelong resident of Cottage Grove area died peacefully July 17, 2016 at the age of 80. Helen was born November 7, 1935 on her family farm in Grey Cloud Island to Harry & Eleanor (Meier) Sandkamp. She attended St. Paul Park High School graduating in 1953. In her early years she enjoyed playing softball and bowling. She married James Jansen July 3, 1965 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in St. Paul Park. They moved to Jim's family farm and raised their four children there. Helen most enjoyed her life on the family farm with her husband, children and grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by son Terry; siblings Leo, Werner "Bernie", Marcia. Survived by loving husband of 51 years Jim; children Joe (Donna), Carla (Brian), Pat (Deidre); grandchildren Alexandra, Erica, Kaitlin, Amelia, Noah; siblings Elaine Simone, Virgil (Joan), Carol Devereaux, Mary Jane (Mike) Pisano, Alan, Norma (Gil) Koenigs, Joann (Michael) Hinz, John (Pat); many other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial 11am Thursday, July 21 at The Church of St. Rita (8694 80th St. S. Cottage Grove) with visitation starting at 9am at the church. Interment St. Thomas Aquinas Cemetery, St. Paul Park. Memorials preferred to Alzheimer's Association or St. Lawrence Seminary. Many thanks to all of Helen's caregivers over the years.