Susan Helbert Jarosz

Susan Helbert Jarosz Age 78 | Duluth, Minnesota Passed away Monday, October 27, 2025, from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

With profound love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, the family of Susan Helbert Jarosz announces her passing on Monday, October 27, 2025, at the age of 78, in Duluth, Minnesota, following a courageous battle with ALS.

Born to Clifford and Lorraine Helbert, Susan was raised in a home filled with faith, learning, and laughter — qualities that defined her life and the countless lives she touched. She is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, James Jarosz, and her beloved son, Matthew Jarosz, both of whom were blessed beyond measure by her boundless love and strength.

A gifted educator and lifelong advocate for children, Susan dedicated her career to shaping young minds and hearts. She served as a third-grade teacher in the Menomonee Falls School System for five years, later inspiring students as a kindergarten teacher at Our Lady of Peace Elementary School for twenty years, and as a Master Coach for the Minnesota Reading Corps for nine years. Her classrooms were filled not only with lessons and laughter but with compassion and encouragement — every child left knowing they were seen, capable, and loved.

Susan was also a proud member of P.E.O. (Duluth Chapter), a philanthropic educational organization devoted to helping women achieve their educational goals. Her involvement reflected her lifelong belief in the power of learning and the importance of supporting others in realizing their potential.

Susan’s greatest joy was lifting others up. She was known for championing people — always cheering, supporting, and checking in on those she loved. Friends and family alike will remember her as a beacon of light, the one who could find hope when there was only darkness, and whose kindness and steady presence made others believe in themselves again.

Outside the classroom, Susan expressed her love most clearly through cooking. The kitchen was her creative space, her love language, and one of her greatest joys. She was a gifted chef — well above average — always exploring new recipes, perfecting family favorites, and sharing her creations with others. Her homemade cookies became a beloved tradition, especially during ski season, when she sent batches with James every Wednesday for the Spirit Mountain Ski Patrol to enjoy. For Susan, cooking wasn’t just about food — it was about care, comfort, and bringing people together.

She also shared a lifelong passion for sports. A proud alumna of Marquette University and devoted Golden Eagles fan, Susan carried her school spirit throughout her life. She and Jim were loyal supporters of Minnesota Gopher athletics, holding season tickets to Gopher Football for 20 years and cheering on the men’s hockey team at Mariucci Arena in Minneapolis alongside their son, Matthew. She loved Gopher men’s football, women’s volleyball, and men’s hockey, but her enthusiasm reached far beyond the maroon and gold. She followed teams across leagues and seasons — from the Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves to the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Minnesota Twins. She delighted in any good game, often watching Pardon the Interruption to stay in the loop. For her, sports were about heart, teamwork, and the joy of being part of something bigger.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Lorraine Helbert; stepmother, Arlene Schwab; brothers, Thomas Helbert and David Helbert; and sister-in-law, Lynn Helbert. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, James; son, Matthew; sisters, Louise Helbert and Anne Worske; brother-in-law, Sam Worske; nieces and nephews, Avis Helbert, Matthew Helbert, Andrew Helbert, and Ayla Worske; and many cherished relatives and friends, including Lauri Cushing, Jennifer Bennett, Terry Roberts, and Patsy Lehr, who remained steadfast companions throughout her life in Duluth.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Susan’s caregivers and the compassionate staff who supported her during her illness, as well as to all who offered prayers, comfort, and love.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Susan’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, 2801 East 4th Street, Duluth, MN 55812, with one hour of visitation prior to Mass. A second visitation and prayer service celebrating Susan’s life will take place in spring or summer 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Interment: St. Adalbert’s Cemetery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Life House Duluth (https://lifehouseduluth.org) or The ALS Association (https://als.org).

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth. www.dfhduluth.com | (218) 727-3555