Donna M. Helgeson

Donna M. Helgeson, 88, of Hawley, MN, passed away on Monday, May 15, 2023, surrounded by her family and under the care of hospice. Donna Marie Villiard was born November 12, 1934, to John and Sarah (Mullett) Villiard, in Hawley, MN. Following high school, Donna worked in Detroit Lakes and Moorhead, MN. On July 21, 1956, she married Gerald “Jerry” Helgeson. Together they made their home in Keene Township, northwest of Hawley, where they farmed until retiring in 1993. They moved into Hawley in 1994 and over the years, Donna was very active at Lysne Lutheren Church, enjoyed gardening, caring for her yard and flowers, and looked forward to the morning coffee group at The Whistle Stop. She was an avid Twins fan and loved working on puzzles, as she often had one on the kitchen table. She also enjoyed the many years working at Blossom’s Floral in Hawley and remained active and at home until this past week. She will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her children, Richard (Theresa) Helgeson of Pierre, SD; Beverly (Bob Jobgen) Lund-Schmidt of Moorhead, MN, and Deborah (Dutch) Lemke of Moorhead, MN; grandchildren, Trevor (Kristi) Lund, Tanya Lund, Tammy (Brad) Halverson, Emeril Helgeson, Jamie Smith and Dawn Kamphaug; 15 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; two sons, Leland and Duane; her parents, and 13 brothers and sisters.

Donna’s family would like to give a special thank you to Ethos Hospice, her neighbors and special friend, Mary Lou, for their wonderful care a friendship.

Funeral will be Saturday, May 20, at 11:00 a.m., in Lysne Lutheran Church, rural Hawley, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at church.

Interment will be at Lysne Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Hawley, MN.