Helen M. Newbrough

Helen M. Newbrough, 91, of Humboldt, passed away on Thursday evening, November 3, 2022, at the Humboldt Care Center North.


She was born November 7, 1930 in Estherville, Iowa, the daughter of Frederick and Pauline (Hennings) Loeschen. She was raised and educated in the Estherville area, graduating from Estherville High School in 1948. She was united in marriage to Earl Besaw in 1949 and to that union two sons were born. The marriage later dissolved. On January 21, 1955, she married Donald R. Newbrough in Elk Point, South Dakota. The couple made their home in Humboldt and Dakota City, where they raised their family. Helen was a daycare provider for many years caring for numerous area children. Helen had a passion for poetry. She had a monthly column in her church’s news booklet, published her works in the town newspaper and read her poems to many different community groups. As an avid bingo player, she organized a Wednesday night bingo at the senior center. Helen enjoyed gardening and playing cards, especially canasta. She took her civic duty seriously and often wrote letters to the editor that were published. Helen was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church. Through her church, she made quilts, volunteered to serve meals after funerals and worked at the food pantry.


She is survived by her children Richard (Crystal) Newbrough of Le Grand, Iowa, Kathleen (Andrew) Eck of Dakota City, David (Aimee) Newbrough of Sioux City and Robert (Amy) Newbrough of New Hampton, son-in-law Mark Opperman of Waterford, Michigan, grandchildren Timothy (Charmin) McCune, Mike Besaw, Angelique (Matthew) Berry, Jessica Craighton, Nicole (Joel) Rasmussen, Dylan Newbrough, Jennifer (Michael) Hamman, Debra (Aaric) Zeimet, Lisa (Philip) Terwilliger, Alisha (Sam Butler) Opperman, Katelyn Opperman, Shaina Opperman, Kyle Newbrough, Christine Newbrough, Ethan Newbrough, Erica Newbrough, Austin (Naomi Nuss) Newbrough, Megan Newbrough and Carter Newbrough, sixteen great-grandchildren (with another one expected in January 2023) and six great-great-grandchildren. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald, sons Michial and Patrick Besaw, daughter Jacqueline Opperman, daughter-in-law, Lucinda Besaw, grandchildren Terrance, Erin and Patrick Besaw, brother Carl Loeschen and sisters Allie Mortvedt, Louise Adams, Elsie Dalen, Bette Cain and Dorothy Cline.

Private family services will be held with burial at Union Cemetery. Please remember Helen in your own special way. The family would like to thank the amazing staff at Humboldt Care Centers North and South and St. Croix Hospice for their loving care and support. The Mason-Lindhart Funeral & Cremation Service was in charge of the arrangements. www.masonlindhart.com