Helen M. (Zuhlsdorf) Luckhardt, age 89 of Olivia, formerly of Redwood Falls, passed away on Monday, August 17, 2009 at the Golden Living Center in Olivia.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 20, 2009 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Redwood Falls.

Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church with a 7:30 p.m. prayer service. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday. Interment is in St. Catherine’s Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Redwood Valley Funeral Home in Redwood Falls.

Helen Marion Luckhardt was born February 2, 1920 in New Ulm, Minnesota to Emil and Marie (Schmitz) Zuhlsdorf. Helen grew up as a small child near Evan, Minnesota. She received her First Communion in 1934 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. Helen attended country school District 29 and St. Mary’s High School in Sleepy Eye. Helen was united in marriage to Lynnae E. “Bud” Luckhardt on September 4, 1945 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye. The couple farmed near Springfield, Clements, Morgan, and Wabasso. In 1975 they retired and moved to Redwood Falls. Helen moved to Olivia in 2004. Helen enjoyed fishing, camping, sewing, and puzzles. She was a member of St. Catherine’s Madonna Quilt Club and Sundown Riders Saddle Club.

Helen is survived by her six children: Lynnette & Tom Zilka, Redwood Falls, LaDonna & Tom Baumann, New Ulm, Steve & Monica Luckhardt, Clements, Kathy & Jim Steinbeisser, Olivia, Dean Luckhardt, Morton, Gene & Mary Luckhardt, Redwood Falls; and daughter-in-law Marcia (Jerry) Hubner, Tracy. Also surviving are 21 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law Donna (Merlin) Hensch of Coon Rapids and Dorothy Gross of New Ulm. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lynnae “Bud” in 1999, son Bill in 1995, brothers and their spouses: Lorand & Hazel Zuhlsdorf, Clarence & Lucille Zuhlsdorf; and sister LaDona Zuhlsdorf in infancy.