Senator Carla Nelson (Rochester) today led the Minnesota Senate in honoring Helen Marjorie Spaid Leqve of Kasson with an official Senate Resolution. Ms. Leqve turned 104 on Christmas Day of 2025.
Ms. Leqve, who was present in the Senate gallery for the tribute, was recognized for her service as a World War II “Rosie the Riveter,” her decades of involvement in her community, and a lifetime that has spanned more than a century of Minnesota and American history.
Watch the video tribute here. (Downloadable video available upon request)
Transcript:
A Senate resolution honoring Helen Marjorie Spaid Leqve on reaching her 104th birthday. She is in the chamber today in the gallery.
Whereas Helen Marjorie Spaid Leqve was born on December 25, 1921, in Ogden, Utah. Her family moved to Minnesota when her dad was told there was some good farmland in northern Minnesota; and
Whereas Helen graduated from Aitkin High School and was studying to be a nurse when World War II began. She thought that she could be more helpful in war efforts if she moved to California. She moved to Burbank, California to work on the B-17 Flying Fortress, and since she was small, she riveted the inner wing of the plane; and
Whereas after recovering at home from an injury, Helen continued her work in Ogden, Utah, where she was born. She supported the war by performing a variety of jobs, including assembling rifles, repairing planes, and working in the parts depot; and
Whereas Helen married her husband Merlin, who was from Kasson, Minnesota in Ogden on February 24, 1945. She attributes her longevity to her many years as a farmer's wife; and
Whereas Helen is one of the few living “Rosie the Riveter” workers left from World War II and has talked to many sixth-graders and Lions Clubs in southern Minnesota about her experience. She has been a member of the American Legion auxiliary for 62 years; and
Whereas Helen loves shopping at garage sales and still holds garage sales herself. She also loves flea markets and just being around people; and
Whereas Helen and Merlin, who passed away in 2003, had four children: her son Lynn, who passed away in 1977; her daughter Diane, who lives with her husband Wendell Engelstad in Owatonna, Minnesota; her son Larry, who lives in Bricelyn, Minnesota; and her daughter Karen, who lives with her husband, Bob Tracy in Kasson. Helen also has four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and
Whereas Helen turned 104 on December 25, 2025; and
Now therefore, be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Minnesota, that it congratulates Helen Marjorie Spaid Leqve on her 104th birthday, and commends her for her many years of outstanding service to her country.