Margaret A. Hellzen

Margaret “Marge” Averil Hellzen, age 89 of Litchfield, MN, passed away, peacefully on April 19, 2026 at Bethany Memory Care.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Litchfield, MN. A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral & Cremation Service in Litchfield, MN and will continue one hour prior to the service at church.

Born on April 18, 1937, in Braham, MN, to Otto Willam and Elvera Ethelia Barbo. Marge was baptized at the Braham Evangelical Lutheran Church. She graduated from Braham High with the class of 1955. In 1958, she, along with 8 wives, received an Honorary PHT “Putting Hubby Through” degree from Augsburg College.

Marge married the love of her life, Carl LeRoy Hellzen on March 2, 1957, in Braham, MN. They had a very full life together raising 4 children. Over the years, they lived in Sacred Heart, Mora, New Ulm and Litchfield, MN where they celebrated 61 joyful and loving years of marriage. Marge and Carl traveled to every state except Alaska; a lot of those trips included their 4 kids. As a couple and with groups, they traveled and visited a lot of Europe, Britain, Ireland and a 21-hour flight to Australia.

Marge was a secretary in the 1950’s for the USDA, homemaker, piano teacher, Motel owner, business owner and later in life, worked for the Activity Department at Burns Manor Nursing Home in Hutchinson, MN and “Retired” 12 days before her 75th birthday. She loved working in the Dementia wing.

Marge was active in her community. She was in the Lion’s Club, was on the Meeker Memorial Hospital board and the Litchfield Police Council and was a leader in her church.

Marge wanted to be known for Music, Music, Music. She said music was her life. She directed many choirs over the years including The Rainbow Singers for 10 years and was the original Director for the First Lutheran’s First Stringers. Marge accompanied on the piano and composed 20 worship songs. She sang countless solos, duets, and in choirs. Together with Carl, they sang at weddings, funerals, and in life.

Marge had a sparkle that shined from within. She could visit and share a story with anyone she met. Marge loved, supported, and laughed with her family. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren meant everything to her, especially in the later years. She was the best Mother-in-law anyone could ask for.

She will be remembered for her infectious smile, laughter, and deep faith. Blessed be her memory.

Margaret is survived by her son Jeff (Pat) Hellzen of Cameron Park, CA, Holly Woerz of Burnsville, Andrea Christenson of Burnsville and Peter (Cathi) Hellzen of Litchfield, sister-in-law Barb Barbo, 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Carl, brothers David (Beverly) Barbo and James Barbo.