Alan R. Helgeson Obituary (1921 - 2010)

ALAN R. HELGESON Alan R. Helgeson, age 88, of Menomonie, WI passed away Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at Red Cedar Medical Center. He was born June 8, 1921 southwest of Prairie Farm. He was the son of Edward H. and Anna Oline (Haugen) Helgeson. Alan attended Boyceville High School. At the age of 15, he went to Menomonie where he supported himself by working different jobs at several businesses. Alan completed high school at the Dunn County School of Agriculture, graduating in 1940. Subsequently he attended Dunn County Normal School and graduated in 1942. In June of 1942 Alan moved to Columbus, OH for work. Shortly after, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force stationed at Camp Luna in New Mexico. On June 10, 1943 he married Vera De Marce in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Twenty-eight days later Alan shipped overseas for the duration of W.W. II. He served in India and China. After his discharge from military service, Alan was employed by Menomonie Farmers Union Cooperative. He worked there for 38 years retiring as Credit Manager. Alan was a member of Peace Lutheran Church and served on the church council. He was a member of the Menomonie Lions Club for more than 50 years, receiving the Melvin Jones Award for his dedication and hard work. He spent many hours working on the Nature Path, directing traffic at the Dunn County Fair, selling tickets for the Car on the Ice, washing glasses and coaching Little League. The highlight of Alan's retirement was a trip to Norway. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. Alan's wit and generosity will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Alan is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years, Vera; His son Dan (Jacki) Helgeson of Eau Claire, WI, daughter Lynda (Gregg) Thompson of Rosemount, MN; Grandchildren, Katie (Tony) Peterangelo of Madison, WI, Dave (Kacie) Helgeson of St. Paul, MN, Andrew Helgeson of Eau Claire, WI, Megan Thompson of St. Paul, MN, Martha Thompson of Minneapolis, MN A sister -in-law Jo Helgeson of Cedarburg, WI And many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, six siblings and several other relatives. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Monday, March 22, 2010 at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie, with Pastor David Whelan officiating. Friends may call from 2:00 to 5:00 pm Sunday at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Burial will be in Peace Lutheran Cemetery in the Town of Menomonie, Dunn Co., WI with military honors by Menomonie Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Peace Lutheran Building Fund, Inter-Faith Food Pantry or the charity of the donor's choice. To express condolences online, please visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com