Helena Kathrine Oline Marie Jensen – Walter Thomsen’s Mother
I, Helena Kathrine Oline Marie Jensen, was born to Jens
Valdemar Jensen and Dorthea Marie Pedersen on July 1, 1887,
in Hvirring, Skanderborg, Denmark, see map in section 11. I
was the eldest of six children: Helena (myself), Petra
Elizabeth, Christian Otto, Anna Kristine, Mary Oline and
Herluf Hubschman. I took the liberty of changing the last
letter of "Helene" to "a", since that is the American
pronunciation.
Mother referred to me as her "little helper." She was a
kind, gentle person with unlimited love for her family,
friends, and those in need. Her poor health hindered her
from accomplishing the thing she would have liked to do. She
was a nice seamstress and taught me to use a needle early in
life. I liked to sew; in fact, I would rather sew than play.
I organized a sewing class for the little girls in the
neighborhood. We met after school, at which time I taught
them to embroider. Mother encouraged this by serving a treat
at the end of our class. To me, this was a very satisfying
experience, and one which we all enjoyed immensely.
A fond memory is a Christmas Eve in 1895 in Underup. Mother
took Anna and stayed at grandfather’s home. Chris, Elizabeth
and I joined our father in going to church. It was twilight
with white snow and with church bells ringing. The town
folks were coming from all around to the church. Christian
Thomsen Jensen, my grandfather, was at the organ; the church
filled, and grandfather led a hymn. Grandfather came to the
pulpit and talked about baby Jesus, and why he died on the
cross to save us all. Grandfather was tall and slender. I
was so proud of him; he was my grandfather. The services
were over; the town folks shook hands and wished each other
a Merry Christmas.
We were hungry and hurried home for dinner. Grandfather’s
home was quite large for those days. Grandfather gave his
standard prayer. We had a traditional Danish Christmas
dinner: goose, red cabbage, and rice pudding. As children,
we were to be seen but not heard so we were very quiet.
After dinner, Grandfather gave thanks for the dinner. The
doors to the living room were opened; the small candles on
the tree had been lit; we joined hands, walked around the
Christmas tree and sang songs. We then opened the packages
placed under the Christmas tree. This was our last Christmas
in Underup; the next year we moved to Aarhus.
Our baby sister, Mary Oline, was born May 13, 1897, in
Aarhus. We were all so happy, but we did not have her for
long; she passed away the 11th of September of that year.
She was like a beautiful wax doll. It was so hard for dear
mother to part with her.
Four years later, April 13, 1901, in Aarhus, Denmark, our
baby brother Herluf Hubschman, was born. It was so nice to
have a baby in our home again. However, six months was the
extent of our joy—he died on the 25th of October. I shall
always remember the date, for it was on the day that I
returned home from the hospital after a six-week siege of
scarlet fever and after effect. It was such a shock to me,
since I had not been told of his illness.
Father was reared in a good religious home. Grandfather
Jensen was Degn of the Lutheran Church (Danish People’s
Church) and school master in Underup, Skanderborg. With such
a background, father was able to grasp the truthfulness of
the Gospel, as presented to him by the LDS missionaries, who
visited our home.
I was the last of our family to join the Church, since it
was necessary that I finish my course at the Lutheran
Seminary in preparation for graduation from High School. I
shall never forget the beauty of the evening of August 12,
1902. Just after sunset, my parents together with two
missionaries walked about four miles through a beech forest
to the sea. I was baptized in the sea and became a member of
the LDS Church. It was one of the highlights of my life.
After graduation, at fifteen, I entered the School of
Dressmaking, and later accepted a position in a large store,
St. Clemons Madebazar. My Aunt Mina Madsen was in charge of
the Dress Department.
Next door was a fine delicatessen and grocery store. One of
the young men, named Christian P. Thomsen, always made it a
point to serve me whenever I visited the store. He was very
nice; I liked him. In 1903, he said he was leaving for
America, after his graduation from the School of Business
which he was attending in the evenings. His Uncle Anton,
owner of a meat market in Omaha, Nebraska, wanted him to
join his sister Martha and brother Marius at that place.
Chris asked me when I was leaving for America, since he knew
that I was baptized into the Church and that my father was
also seriously thinking of moving to Zion.
At this time, I was busy in the Church, teaching Sunday
school and playing the organ at the meetings. Our meeting
house was a little old warehouse, remodeled to suit our
purpose. Through our church activities, we enjoyed many good
meetings and many social hours, often singing duets with
Petra Elizabeth. The Church was not very popular at that
time. I lost many friends and associates when I joined.
In 1905, father left for Salt Lake City, Utah, to make a
home for his family. Because of his adventuresome spirit and
his determination to make good, he was able to endure and
graciously overcome, the many hardships and trials which
many have had to face in a new country. He came for his
religion and had faith that he would succeed, which he did.
In 1906, he sent for mother, Christian and Anna. Elizabeth
and I decided to stay in Denmark a while longer, since we
had good positions and enjoyed our beautiful City of Aarhus,
which was surrounded by forests and ocean. I was receiving
mail regularly from Chris, who was now in Omaha. He was an
excellent penman and wrote beautiful, interesting letters. I
loved them and looked forward to seeing him in the near
future.
The S.S. Republic White Starr Line, with Elizabeth and I
aboard, sailed into the Boston Harbor on August 22, 1907,
after a safe journey over the Atlantic Ocean, which was most
enjoyable. The missionaries, who came on the same ship,
planned a tour to Niagara Falls; we joined them. To us
especially, it was a spectacular sight, coming from a small,
flat country.
A week later, on our arrival at the Union Pacific Station in
Salt Lake City, our folks gave us a hearty welcome. How
happy and grateful we all were to be reunited in this great
country of the United State, which has so much to offer its
people. Never the less, Elizabeth and I had a strange
feeling when the ship pulled away from our pretty native
land in which we had lived long enough to really love. I
became very grateful for the opportunity of coming to this
wonderful land, for being in the beautiful valley of the
Great Salt Lake, and for sharing the Gospel.
In 1908 and 1909, Chris spent his summer vacations in Salt
Lake. We had wonderful times together. Chris had a good
position with an insurance company in Omaha, which was hard
for him to leave. But in 1910, he applied for work in Salt
Lake. However, he did not succeed. Thinking the West Coast
might be better, he left for Seattle, Washington to see what
the prospects were. There, he obtained work.
A deep sorrow came to our family on March 14, 1911,
Elizabeth passed away after a short illness of rheumatic
fever. It was hard to part with her. This beautiful girl of
just twenty-one years of age was dead. She and I were such
close companions; her death came as a shock not only to me
but to the family as a whole. I could not think of leaving
the family for Seattle, so Chris came back and decided to
stay in Salt Lake. Later he was employed by Z.C.M.I.
Department Store.
Chris was baptized on March 10, 1912, and became an active
member of the Church. We began planning our home at 1314
Pacific Avenue. It was built and furnished in time for our
wedding. We were married on July 14, 1914, in the Salt Lake
Temple. Mother prepared a lovely family dinner for us. After
which we left for the Hermitage Inn in Ogden Canyon, and had
a lovely honeymoon.
Our son Walter was born on July 15, 1915, at 7 a.m. He was,
and has been, a great joy and blessing to us. We were now a
family, with real responsibility.
At this time, Father was traveling as a baker for a large
construction company in Utah and Idaho, and for a time in
Dayton, Ohio. Dear Mother was with me much of the time. She
was a great comfort to me with my baby, but her health kept
failing, and on August 18, 1918, she passed away in our
home; she had a severe stroke. I missed her very much, my
dear angel mother.
I kept busy in our Ward, the Thirty-Second, teaching Sunday
School and Mutual; the Beehive girls were my favorite. [The
church’s kitchen still had coffee pots, and coffee was
frequently enjoyed at Ward parties. In the 1930’s, the Word
of Wisdom was more strictly taught, and by the 1950’s, it
was more strictly observed by the Church.]
On our district, I had the registration for several years
and was appointed a delegate to a convention. But politics
were not my specialty. I also managed to find a little time
for dressmaking. My dear neighbor took Walter after school.
If I was not home, Walter was a very good and dependable
boy. He kept busy selling magazines and carrying newspapers.
Entertaining my Luncheon Club and preparing dinners for
families and friends was always a pleasure to me. When
Walter started school, I served as PTA Secretary for several
years at the Edison School.
In 1929, I served as President of the Y.W.M.I.A. This was a
happy experience for me. I loved to be with young people.
In 1930, Chris left Z.C.M.I., thinking we would do much
better if we had a business of our own. He purchased a small
grocery store, which proved to be more hard work than
profit. During this time, Chris was taking an extension
course in accounting at the University of Utah; the classes
were held in the evening. After receiving his diploma in
1934, he returned to Z.C.M.I. With Walter’s help, we kept
the business going until 1936, and moved into our duplex,
1245 East 600 South. We then sold our home on Pacific
Avenue. Walter was now going to the University of Utah, and
I joined the U. of U. Mothers’ Club, serving on various
committees. We were now members of the Thirty-third Ward,
where I was a Relief Society Visiting Teacher and Assistant
Work Director. Later, the ward was divided, and we became
members of the Douglas Ward. I was appointed Work Director
of the Relief Society and continued as such during World War
II.
In June of 1938, Walter graduated from the University as a
chemist and was employed by Utah Oil Company. On July 25,
1938, he married Marjorie June White, a lovely girl and
beautiful bride, which made us very happy. They built a home
at 557 Douglas Street. On April 14, 1939, a handsome baby
boy, Roger, was born to them.
At this time, World War II was in progress, and in June
Walter became a Lieutenant in R.O.T.C., and left to serve
his country. As Captain, Walter led the invasion of Lingayen
Gulf, Luzan Island, Philippine. In June 1943, I registered
in the Red Cross. Z.C.M.I. had turned their auditorium over
to the Red Cross, and there I served as assistant in making
and packing surgical dressings. For this and other services,
I received a reward. Denmark was suffering much hardship
during the war. Chris and I shipped many packages of food
and clothing to our homeland, and in appreciation, we
received a reward from the government. How grateful we all
were when our son Walter returned home after the war in time
for Christmas of 1945, after four and a half very hard
years.
A second baby boy, Richard, was born to Walter and Marjorie
on May 13, 1950. He became a great comfort and blessing to
all of us.
My father, "Bedstefar" as he was called by all who knew him,
lived alone in his home for years, enjoying good health. But
in his ninetieth year, his health began to fail. He passed
away on February 18, 1952, in my sister Anna's home, after a
short illness.
In May of 1952, Chris retired from the Z.C.M.I., and we were
ready to take the trip to Denmark for which we had been
planning. (For informa¬tion on this trip, refer to Chris's
personal record, for his retirement and all the tours we
enjoyed together) During this time, I was a member of the
Board of Directors of the University of Utah Mother’s Club,
and in 1956, I was elected as its President. This was a
happy experience. Dear Chris was a great help, since he took
care of my correspondence.
In 1961 Chris's health began to fail. In July of 1963, he
had a severe heart attack. After ten days in the hospital,
he came home, where I made him comfortable in a hospital
bed. His physician advised him to rest for at least six
weeks. He was a very good patient; he never complained. He
was so happy to be home, and I was very grateful I could
take care of him. After his recovery, Dr. Pehrson said Chris
could be with us for years. But that was not to be. In March
of 1964, he contracted a cold, and his heart was too weak to
withstand the strain. My dear husband passed away on March
14, 1964, at 11:00 a.m in the LDS Hospital. Walter and I
were at his bedside when the end came. It was a terrible
shock, since we both thought we would have a few more years
to¬gether. (For services, refer to Cherished Memories, also
recording of funeral services).
Chris is now at rest in Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, the
place he chose, since he wanted to be near the Wasatch
Mountains of which he was so fond. I am grateful for the
well-nigh fifty years we had to¬gether; grateful for the
sweet companionship we shared during his retirement years;
and grateful for the many kind deeds which he did for me. I
miss him very much. I shall always miss him. In my hours of
loneliness, I feel his presents, and it comforts me. How
wonderful are my memories, and the knowledge that I have,
through the Gospel, that some day, we shall be reunited,
never again to part.
I was eighty years old on July 1, 1967. I am still a
Visiting Teacher in my Ward Relief Society and able to
attend my church meeting. I occasionally entertain families
and friends. I am grateful for my wonderful son Walter, for
his wife Marjorie, and my grandchildren and
great-grandchildren, and for my sister and brother, each of
whom I love very dearly. I am also grateful for the many
shared memories of joys and sorrows throughout my life, and
for my health, as it is today. May I be able to carry on and
be faithful and true to the end of my days here on earth.
Written by Helene J Thomsen
Memories of Grandmother:
Grandmother was hard working, active, thrifty, and strong
willed. After she turned 80, she crochet beautiful blankets
with intricate designs and colors that are masterpieces,
made vests for her son and grandson that were remarkable in
their precision, and hand made lace handkerchiefs. She
cross-stitched pictures for the walls and made larger pieces
that upholstered two chairs. Grandmother was a hard worker.
She frequently entertained. Often we enjoyed dinner around
her small table, sitting on small stools to enable more
quests to crowd around her table. Like her father, she was
an incredible baker, making especially good breads and
rolls. Remaining active at the age of 89, she and her friend
left for a week in Hawaii. She made frequent trips downtown
and took the bus. She was thrifty, exhibited by taking old
dresses and making them anew by her tailoring skills, never
wasting, and in saving and investing additional money, even
in her retirement years. She was an organizer and told folks
what she expected them to do, enhancing her leadership
skills at church and in the community.
Grandmother’s fondest wish was to have a grandson serve a
mission to Denmark. She had a strong testimony of the LDS
Church and was committed to it. She attended all her church
meetings and kept the Sabbath holy. Before receiving my
mission call, I began to feel the impression that
Grandmother was praying for me to go to Denmark. Her faith
was strong—I was headed to Denmark on my mission.
Upon turning 90 she said, “I enjoyed my eighties, but I am
not looking forward to my nineties.” In 1977, a fall had
broken her hip; it took great courage and work to gain
mobility. She was now weaker and less mobile. In 1978, she
sold the duplex and moved to Stansbury Condominiums located
on the southeast corner of 700 East and 200 South. Several
of her friends were already living there. She gained many
friends and found ways to help her new neighbors.
Unfortunately, she was unable to go out alone or to attend
her church meetings. She felt lonely when her sister Anna
and her brother Chris died in 1982.
In approximately 1982, she was told that Walter had
Alzheimer and seemed to quickly loose her will to live. In
early June of 1983, it became difficult for her to clean her
home and to prepare food. Marjorie was taking care of Walt,
and she could not care for both of them. Marilyn and I were
blessed to have Helena move into our home that we hoped
would be a long stay. At bedtime, I frequently overheard her
prayers, asking Heavenly Father for death. As a result of a
worn out pulmonary system, she weakened quickly. On July
1st, she turned 96, becoming unconscious on the same day.
She died on July 3, 1983, in our home in West Valley, Utah.
Written by Richard W. Thomsen
Helena Kathrine Oline Marie Jensen
Helena in Aarhus, Denmark, January 10, 1907
In 1917 at Pacific Avenue
Helena, Walter, and Chris
Helena on her front porch on Pacific Avenue in about 1929
Helena in 1909 in Salt Lake City
Coffee being enjoyed in their dining room at Pacific Avenue Left to right: Walter, friend, Anna, Helena, and Edith
Front of home at 1245 East 600 South, about 1936
One of many elegant dinners around their table, in about 1956 L to R: Marjorie, Richard, Roger, Helena, and Christian
Helena at her Desk in 1952
Chris and Helena at the front door at 1245 East 600 South
About 1977 in the living room of Walter and Marjorie Thomsen
Favorite Recipes of Helena’s
Danish Pickles – Typed by Chris
Meat Loaf Secrets of great meat loaf were to beat it to death, whole wheat bread, eggs, tomato paste, lean meats, and her pickle relish. For a opened faced sandwich, her Health Bread and meat loaf were thinly sliced, the bread was buttered. Pickle Relish in Helena’s handwriting
Danish Dumplings After preparing dumpling, place them in the hot soup to warm. Helena’s soup was Campbell’s Beef Bouillon with a moderate amount of celery, carrots, and parsley.
Health Bread in Marilyn Thomsen’s handwriting
Wedding Announcement
Rolls in Marilyn Thomsen’s handwriting and always made by Marilyn after lesson from Helena
Danish Apple Cake
Use rye bread or whole wheat bread if possible
Baked Chicken
Cover chicken breasts with Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup
& wine (Grandma kept a bottle of white wine in the kitchen
just for this recipe; we can use white grape juice), spice
with salt and pepper, and add sliced onions, cover, cook
slowly in the oven at 325 degrees.
Danish Apple Cake
Tomato Aspect, frequently used by Marjorie, to be fancy, salad shrimps were added
The following 4 recipes are authentic Danish recipes
brought from Denmark by Richard.
Danish
Christmas Rice Pudding
1 cup rice
2 tsp. sugar
1 cup slivered almonds
3 cups milk
2 tsp. vanilla
1 ½ cups whipping cream
Cook the rice in the milk until creamy and the rice is done,
let stand until cool, and then add the sugar, vanilla, and
nuts. Shortly before serving, whip the cream with vanilla
and sugar and fold into the rice pudding. Serve with either
a raspberry, strawberry or cherry sauce.
Danish Christmas Potatoes
Cut up potatoes so they are round and no larger then 2
inches in diameter and boil.
Brown ¼ cup of sugar until it becomes caramel, add ¼ lb
butter and mix together.
Roll the potatoes in the caramelized butter sauce.
Danish Christmas Pork
Take a pork loin, fill center with plumbs and apricots,
combine 1 part with equal amounts of pepper, salt, ginger,
and 2 parts sugar and rub into fat and rind, bake in oven.
Danish Christmas Red Cabbage
Cut a head of red cabbage into thin slices, boil with a
moderate amount of water, over cook until the water barely
covers the cabbage, leave juice in pan and mix cabbage with
vinegar and raspberry jam to taste.
Helena’s English Tea Cake was Richard Thomsen’s favorite
recipe. Helena always made it for Richard’s birthdays. For
this reason it gets its own page. It is a fun recipe because
it is in her handwriting and on her letterhead, including
phone number and address. If you are unsuccessful with this
recipe, just call the phone number provided. Finally, to
show appreciation for Richard’s hard work in completing this
family history book, all family members should prepare this
recipe frequently, especially while Richard is still alive
and especially when he is visiting you. The fruit mix
mentioned in the recipe is the fruit used in making fruit
cake.
Melt butter and scald milk, dissolve 1 to 2 tablespoons yeast in warm water, combine all ingredients, stir until the dough is stiff and shiny, spread in a greased and floured 11” by 8” glass pan, top with streusel topping, let raise until double, bake 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes, when cool, frost.