Hope Lea

Hope Halenbeck Lea

Died on October 4, 2021 at the age of 94.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Lillian Gronseth Halenbeck; and her brother, George Henry Halenbeck.

She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Charles Rykken Lea; children, Marilyn Porter (John) and Richard Lea (Terri); grandchildren, Elizabeth Nelsen (Seth), Amanda Porter, Charles Richard Lea (Kristen) and Nicole Anderson; great grandchildren, Aurora and Dean Nelsen; sisters-in law, Joan Halenbeck, Virginia Humes, Dorothy LeGault (Ron Podratz) and Vernell Lea.

She was born in Duluth, MN.  Hope graduated from Central High School.  She earned her Bachelors, Masters and PhD in education from University of MN - Twin Cities and worked in the St Paul school systems for over 40 years as an elementary teacher and principal.

She raised her family in St Paul and White Bear Lake and later moved with her husband to Lake Elmo and in recent years resided in Oak Park Heights.

She was a member of Parkview United Church of Christ since 1957 where she was a member of several boards and she sang in the choir for over 50 years.

She volunteered at Belwin Outdoor Science (30 years) and Fort Snelling with school visits (20 years).

Memorial service will be held at Parkview UCC, 3737 Bellaire Avenue, White Bear Lake, MN on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 2 PM.  Masks required.  Visitation 1 hour prior to service.

Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers to Belwin Outdoor Science (1553 Stagecoach Trail S., Afton, MN 55001) or a charity of your choice.