Remembering Loretta Coulter
Loretta Ann Coulter, retired supervisor at UND Plant Services, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2020, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minn., at the age of 76.
Loretta was born Sept. 16, 1943, in Grafton, N.D. to Agnes (Kroll) and John Helmowski. She later graduated from Minto High School and was married to Gene Dale Coulter on Oct. 29, 1963. They lived in Grand Forks for many years.
Loretta loved being wife, mother and grandmother. When their children began school, Loretta worked for a small painting company and then at Innes Construction, working with cabinetry wood finishing, something she loved.
She worked at UND Plant Services as a supervisor for over 25 years. Her passion was taking a room and transforming it into something beautiful, and while working at these companies she would also work side jobs finishing people’s homes on evenings and weekends, all the while having her AM radio on 1310 KNOX.
Loretta and Dale moved full-time to Springsteel Island in 2006 when she retired. Although retired, Loretta was known for her amazing talent with painting, wallpapering, and woodwork finishing and soon was working as many jobs as she could in the Warroad area. She enjoyed flowers and gardening, dancing, attending concerts, and being surrounded by family and her dogs, Angel and TJ. Loretta and Dale enjoyed spending time together, fishing, traveling, dining out, and visiting with many family, friends and neighbors. Loretta had a huge personality that showed in her expressive emotions. She was very giving, loving, kind, and an extremely hard worker and good cook.
Loretta worked up until the day she was first admitted into the hospital to begin cancer treatments. She courageously fought and amazed Rochester Mayo doctors and staff by not missing one day of intense treatments.
Loretta will be greatly missed by many. Special thanks to the many doctors and staff of Mayo Clinic in Rochester; and a thanks to the many family and friends who gave their support, visited, prayed, called, sent cards, gifts or flowers during her time in Rochester.
She is survived by her children, Sandy (Pete) Olson and Russell (Lyndi) Coulter both of Roosevelt, MN; grandchildren, Dustin and Kasey Opp, Mick and Colton Olson, Farah and Bear Coulter; her brothers, John (Wanda) Helmowski, Harry (Shirley) Helmowski, and Dennis Helmowski; great-grandchildren, Harmony Opp and Ziggy Olson; two step-grandchildren, Tucker and Hudson Sprouls; son-in-law, Kevin Opp; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Gene Dale Coulter and daughter, Debra Jean Opp. Funeral Mass was held Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Interment at the St. Mary’s Cemetery. Online guestbook at: www.helgesonfuneralhome.com