Gerald D. ’Jerry’ Helgeson

Gerald D. Helgeson, of Hawley, MN, died peacefully on Friday, August 27, 2010, in his home surrounded by his family and under the care of Hospice of the Red River ValleyGerald Dean Helgeson was born on November 29, 1931, to Gilford and Nettie Erickson Helgeson in Grant County, MN. He grew up and attended school in rural Ashby, MN. Gerald worked for area farmers, worked construction and drove school bus before he joined the United States Army on December 5, 1952. While in the Army, he served as a PFC in the Military Police during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on December 4, 1954. On July 21, 1956, he married Donna Villiard in Erdahl, MN. In 1960, Gerald and Donna moved to Keene Township where they farmed until retirement in 1993. In 1994, Gerald and Donna moved to Hawley. Gerald worked for RDO Equipment in Hawley for a few years. Gerald was a member of the Fargo Eagles Club, Keene Township Board, Lysne Lutheran Church and a former member of the American Legion Club in Hitterdal. Gerald enjoyed fishing, hunting and most importantly, spending time with his family. Blessed be the memory of Gerald, he will be missed dearly by his family and friends.He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Donna Helgeson of Hawley, MN; one son, Richard Theresa Helgeson of Warroad, MN; two daughters, Beverly Lund-Schmidt of Moorhead, MN and Deborah Dutch Lemke of Moorhead, MN; six grandchildren, Trevor Ashley Lund, Tanya Kiet Nguyen, Tammy Brad Lund, Emeril Helgeson, Jamie Mike Morehouse and Dawn Kamphaug; twelve great-grandchildren; one brother, Ron Helgeson of Moorhead, MN and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents and two sons, Leland and Duane.