Helen Arndt

Helen Marie Arndt, 72, of Pine Island, died Monday, October 27, 2025 at Cottage Wood Assisted Living in Rochester, Minnesota.

She was born August 18, 1953 in Owatonna, Minn. to William and Della (Rhodes) Gillard. She grew up in the West Concord area and graduated from West Concord High School, class of 1971. She attended St. Mary's School of Nursing, graduating as an LPN, and going on to a long career with the Mayo Clinic. She first worked as a nurse in a cardiac unit, before working 21 years as a float nurse. After an ankle injury, she was with the tobacco quit line and then finished out the last 11 years of her career at the Ask Mayo Clinic Triage Line.

In 1975 she married Tom Hyde and the couple had one son, Andrew. They later divorced and Helen bought a town-house in Rochester where she raised her son on her own.

in October 1992, she met her future husband, David Arndt, and they were married on May 29, 1993. Together, they built a new home on his family farm in 1994. She went back to school and passed her boards to become an RN.

They traveled all over the world together throughout the next 32 years. A highlight was Australia and New Zealand. They visited every state in the union as well as France, Italy, Great Britian, and Ireland. There were also several cruises and bus trips with Glenn Coaches and JAG Tours.

Helen was a bright and outgoing person. She loved to dance and sing along with the radio. She was very handy and loved to craft. She made beautiful cross stich and embroidery. In her later years she enjoyed her weekly coffee klatch, going out to eat, Friday trips to the movies, and visiting with family. She also adored her grandchildren. Her faith was a central part of her life and she was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church. 

She is survived by her husband, David; son, Andrew (Vanessa) Hyde of Rochester; 3 grandchildren, Payne, Ashton and Vyanna; one sister, Mary Gillard of West Concord; 5 aunts, Joanne Paulson, Linda Beckett, Carole Walker, Darleen Gillard, and Marnie Gillard; two nieces, Tammy Wiebrand and Lané Albee; two nephews, Kevin Arndt and Jesse Gillard; her beloved cats, Polly, Petey and Pinkerton; as well as many cousins, great-nieces and nephews, other family and many friends.

She is preceded in death by her grandson, Jayden; and her parents.

A memorial service will be 11 a.m., Friday, November 14, 2025 at United Methodist Church in Pine Island with Rev. Tony Fink officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, November 13, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel, in Zumbrota as well as one hour prior to the service at church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Pine Island Senior Center or the United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com