Helen Mae Lehenbauer

March 2, 1934 - November 25, 2017

Helen M. Lehenbauer was born in Granville, ND to Jurgen and Norene Larson in 1934. She graduated from Jamestown College in 1954 earning a teaching degree. Helen taught elementary school students for 7 years in Cando ND and Glendive MT before moving to Fort Peck MT where she met her future husband Philip Lehenbauer. They were married in Coeur d’Alene ID in 1961.

Helen and Phil moved to Othello, WA where Phil was manager of Columbia National Wildlife Refuge. They had two children in Othello before moving to rural Benton County, OR to establish a new national refuge complex. Helen was active in a community church in Bellfountain, OR before moving to Portland in 1966. They enjoyed the Oregon Coast, clamming at Long Beach WA, and camping & fishing trips to Eastern OR. Helen was a homemaker and loving mother of three children. She was an active member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, and volunteered for Loaves & Fishes, Meals On Wheels, SnowCap, Camp Fire Girls, and PTA for Centennial schools. For 51 years they have resided in their home in SE Portland.

Helen is survived by her husband of 56 years Philip Lehenbauer, son Ted Lehenbauer of Moses Lake; daughter Lyn Ortiz & husband Patrick of Glenview,IL; daughter Cara Schmitt & husband Ed of Vancouver; and four grandchildren: Dr. Alexa Ortiz (Virginia), Melani Ortiz (Chicago), Andrew and Katelyn Schmitt (Vancouver). Helen was preceded in death by her father, mother and sister Carol Ann Larson of Devils Lake ND.

The family suggests contributions in Helen’s memory be made to the Oregon Alzheimer’s Association or Legacy Hospice. A private service will be held at Willamette National Cemetery.

Arrangements under the direction of Bateman Carroll Funeral Home, Gresham, OR.