Gerda Finnesand Helland

Gerda Finnesand Helland passed away at home Tuesday, March 25, 2008 from complications of Alzheimer's disease. Her sweetheart Fritz who had lovingly taken care of her was at her side. Gerda was born May 22, 1932 in Stavanger, Norway. She married Frithjof Bjarne Helland on October 16th 1953. They joined the LDS church and decided to move to the United States in May of 1959. They brought three children with them and completed their family with a fourth child born here in Utah. They lived in Utah until 1964 and then moved to Seattle for 5 years. They moved back to Utah In 1969 and have lived in their East Millcreek home for the past 39 years. Gerda was the ultimate homemaker and loved taking care of her family and home. She was an excellent cook and spoiled her family with many wonderful meals. She worked hard at whatever she did and was always willing to help her friends and family with whatever they needed. She welcomed her children's spouses and the 21 grandchildren that came with their unions. She had a strong testimony of the gospel which guided her actions throughout her life. She held many church callings and blessed the lives of those she worked with. In 1992 she went on a mission to Norway with her sweetheart and fulfilled a lifelong dream. She was preceded in death by her parents Ivar Finnesand and Gudrun Jossang Finnesand and two siblings, Torbjorn and Aslaug. She is survived by her husband Fritz, 4 children Gunn Challis (Brian), Mai McAllister (Doug), Jacob (Janet), Frank (Sandy), 21 grandchildren, 11 1/2 great-grandchildren, 3 brothers, Tor, Inge, and Gisle. The family wishes to thank Sunbrook Hospice for their wonderful service and compassion this past month. Funeral Services will be held Saturday March 29th, 2008 at 11:00am in the East Millcreek North 16th ward, 3408 Celeste Way (3370 S. 3120 E). Friends may call at the church from 9:30am to 10:30am for a viewing on Saturday prior to the services. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.holbrookmortuary.com.