Theresa "Tree" Helm
July 19, 1961 ~ October 22, 2019
Theresa “Tree” Helm, age 58, passed away on October 22, 2019, in the arms of the love of her life for the past 23 years, her husband, Kirt.
Tree was born to Tony and Micki Von Rueden on July 19, 1961, in Breckenridge, MN. She lived in Wahpeton until age nine and then moved to Fargo and later Fergus Falls, where she graduated from high school in 1979. She went on to graduate from ND State School of Science in 1982 with a degree in data processing. She was first employed at the former Dakota Hospital in Fargo in the medical records department. In 1997, she started working for Meritcare, now Sanford, where she has worked for the past 22 years.
Tree’s love for animals started at a very young age. When she was 5 years old, she finally got a white chihuahua named Snowball. She never wanted to be without him, so one afternoon she crawled into his dog house on the porch and fell asleep while extended family and friends were frantically looking for her everywhere. Since then, she has had a number of dogs and a crazy parrot named Taz, who loved to dance to “Elvira”.
Tree was known for her wonderful sense of humor and her truly infectious laugh. People’s most memorable times with her always involved uncontrollable laughing to the point of tears. She LOVED Christmas and packed her dining room and living room with decorations each year.
Tree is survived by her husband, Kirt; daughters, Brittni Tritchler and Brittni’s sons, Jaxon Schmit and Joah England and daughter Toshika Helm and her children, Joylyssa and Dreydyn Kuehne and Taylyn Schmidt; her mother, Micki (Ellwyn) Nohr; step-mom Joyce Von Rueden; sisters Dr. Michelle Von Rueden, Brenda Peterman, Nadine Wallock, and Debra (Craig) Penley, and grandson Cameron Tritchler. She was preceded in death by her son, Josh Tritchler, her brother, Jerry; infant sister Lori Kay; and her father, Tony Von Rueden.
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Kirt and family, my heart breaks as you mourn the passing of Theresa. As you all reminisce in the coming days my hope is that it puts smiles on each of you. Theresa is now free of pain and is at peace. Love and Prayers, Aunt Wanda & Ken
She was such an amazing friend to all. Hugs and love all of you. Kirt- she was the best. Much love my friend ❤️🙏
My deepest sympathy to the family on the loss of Theresa. Her caring and upbeat personality will be missed. I worked with Theresa at Sanford as her supervisor. Always enjoyed my stop at her work area. She would let me know how Josh was doing. Now they will be together again. RIP Theresa.
I’m so sorry to learn of Theresa’s passing. I was Theresa’s UPS driver where she worked. I remember her always being happy and cheerful when I delivered to her office, always joking with me. My deepest condolences to Theresa’s family and friends. I’ll have you in my thoughts and prayers. Take care and God Bless. RIP.
It is with great sadness to hear of Tree’s passing. We met in high school and remained friends throughout the years. Tree texted me in August for my birthday and we agreed we needed to get together soon and I’m so sad that we didn’t get a chance to do that. We constantly bumped into each other at Hornbachers after work and I swear we talked for an hour each time solving the worlds problems. We both loved animals and our belly laughs were plentiful. Friday nights were always spent watching Miami Vice and drooling over Don Johnson. I have a ton of memories and pictures and I will never forget them. Rest In Peace dear friend and there is no more pain.
Kirt, May the love of your family and friends help comfort you in this time of loss and my prayers are with you and your family take care.
Micki, Deb, Michelle and families
I am so sorry for your loss. I would see Theresa at Sanford and she was always smiling and so pleasant. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Theresa brought great joy and smiles to many people who knew her. May the memory of her sense of humor bring peace and comfort to those suffering from her passing.
Dear All,
We are so very sorry for your loss. We would love to see all of you in person but Dodie had some surgery and cannot travel. Please accept our deepest sympathy our prayers are with all of you.
Love,
Dodie & Merle Baumer
My Sympathy for Kirt and family. Theresa was such a spitfire and had a very kind heart. i worked with Theresa for 6 years and she would make me laugh. We had such good times, She loved her family dearly and sang Praises on what a wonderful husband Kirt was. Prayers of comfort for all of her family.
Mary Kaye
Kirt, Brittani, and Family…I’m so very sorry to hear of Tree’s passing. We worked together at the Sleep Center for many years. She was very faithful to her job, loved the patients, and was especially kind to all the dialysis patients. She knew them all by name and visited with them and made them feel good. She will be greatly missed. Tree absolutely adored her husband Kirt. She spoke of him with kindness and love always. Said he was the BEST husband in the world! I wanted Kirt to know this.
Kirt and family, I am so sorry for your loss , I with Tree for years at Occ. Health . My prayers are with you and family during this very difficult time.
Tree, my long lost friend! I have thought about you so often. Searching Facebook to see if I could te- connect with you. My heart is hurting right now, but I know you and Paulette will soon be cruising in your little red Maverick listening to “The Cars”
❤️❤️
To all of Theresa’s family – our hearts are broken to learn of Theresa’s passing. Knowing her when she was growing up, she was the sweetest, most loving person and I know that carried out through her life. Her giggle was hilarious…. I read this today: “I have this feeling there’s one more star up in the sky tonight. And even though it’s far away, its brightness and warmth still reach us here to make the night a little less dark.” Theresa is that new star shining up there. I’m wishing you Peace in God’s promise in Jeremiah 31:13: I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them and give them peace.” My Prayer for you all: God of eternal life, give us the peace that only you can provide through our faith in Christ. Amen. Sending my deepest sympathies and lots of love and hugs to all from Aunt Karen Werner
So sorry to hear the news of her passing. I worked with Theresa at Dakota many years ago and always loved laughing with her. May God bless her and her family. Remember the good times and she will always be with you.
We are unable to attend the services but are thoughts and prayers are with all of you.