Helene Guri (Gustafson) Grone
Helene Guri (Gustafson) Grone, age 85, of Green Valley, AZ passed away March 29th, 2026. She was at home surrounded by her children.
Helene was born April 12th, 1940, to Clifton and Helene Gustafson Sr. in Bagley, MN. Helene attended Gonvick public schools and graduated from Gonvick High School in 1958. She then attended the University of North Dakota.
On February 14th, 1959, Helene married the love of her life Blaine Grone. They would remain married for 65 years until Blaine’s passing in December of 2024.
The 19-year-old newlyweds then moved to Minneapolis. They began a family with Helene giving birth to Lori, Kristen, and Jack. She was a stay-at-home mom to her three children. She later worked in the hospitality industry in the Twin Cities area. Blaine’s career took them between Minnesota and Wisconsin, and eventually southern California by the mid 1980’s. Helene and Blaine retired to their peaceful 80-acre hobby farm in rural Clearbrook, MN in 1988. In 1996 they discovered Green Valley, AZ. They bought a winter home there and became snowbirds. In 2022, they left the beloved farm for good and moved to Green Valley full time.
Helene was a passionate gardener. She tended to her flower beds and vegetable gardens with great care. It was her “therapy”. She adored all of her dogs and cats. It was said by some that in their next life, they hoped to come back as one of her pets. She learned to enjoy cross-country skiing. Helene was an avid book reader and liked her magazines (especially People). She was a skilled seamstress. She was a terrific cook. She even proved that Swedes can make great Mexican food. Helene had a strong faith in Jesus Christ. Her Christian faith never wavered and gave her strength and comfort throughout her life. Even in facing death, she did so with courage, knowing there was something better to come.
Helene loved her many dear friends. She enjoyed her girlfriend trips to Walker and Park Rapids Minnesota, shopping and having lunch. In Arizona, Bisbee was one of her favorite day trip destinations. And more than anything, Helene cherished her family. She was a loving wife and a wonderful, devoted mother. She was proud of her family. Her children were blessed to know her unconditional love. You are beautiful and will always be in our hearts. We love you; we miss you.
Helene is survived by daughters Lori Grone of San Diego, CA; Kristen Swanson of Edina, MN; son Jack Grone of Green Valley, AZ; granddaughter Madelyn Swanson of Edina, MN; son-in-law Rick Swanson of Edina, MN;
She is preceded in death by her husband Blaine Grone; parents Clifton and Helene Gustafson Sr. and brother Clifton Gustafson Jr.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to your favorite charity in Helene’s memory.