Edward Helgeson

Monday, July 29, 2019 5:05 pm

Edward Helgeson, 81, of Decorah, died Tuesday, July 23, 2019, at his home in Decorah. A mass of Christian burial was at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 29, at the St. Benedict Catholic Church in Decorah, with Rev. Donald Hertges presiding. Burial was in the church cemetery. Visitation was from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 28, at the Schluter-Balik Funeral Home in Decorah and also after 9:30 a.m. at the church Monday morning. Organist was Mary Beth Bouska. Cantor was Cindy Schissel. Hymns were “Be Not Afraid,” “Ave Maria,” “On Eagles Wings” and “Goin Home.” Lector was Jim Weis. Offertory gift bearers were Joe Helgeson and Sharyl Haugen. Eucharistic minister was Wendy Novak. Casket bearers were Danial Beer, David Beer, Duane Beer, Dennis Beer, Ed Langreck and Ray Koshatka. Arrangements were handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, Decorah.

Edward Elmer Helgeson was born Aug. 14, 1937, the son of Elmer and Mary (Burroughs) Helgeson near Dorchester. He attended country school in Pleasant township where his mother Mary was the teacher. He graduated from Decorah High School. He was married to Janice Nesset and together they had five children: Sharyl, Joe, Jeff, John and Jim. They later divorced. He married Theresa Howe May 28, 1988, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua. Ed worked at Calmar Manufacturing for many years and had various other jobs before that. He enjoyed fishing, wood working in his shop at home, antique cars and spending time with his friends and family.

Ed is survived by his wife, Theresa; children: Sharyl (David) Haugen, Decorah; Joe (Roxanne) Helgeson, Ossian; Jeff Helgeson, Decorah; and John Helgeson, Cresco; step-children: Sharon (Robert) Barr, Janesville; Diane (Scott) Pederson, Rossville; Gerald (Michelle) Donahue, Waukon; John (Anna) Donahue, Amarillo, Texas; Dale (Pie) Donahue, Waukon; 17 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson; sister, June Beer, Cedar Rapids; in-laws: Beverly Howe, Lansing; Rita Jones, Janesville, Wis.; Dorothy (Orville) Brathrud, Waukon; George (Carol) Howe, Monona; Janice Helgeson, Decorah; step son-in-law, Randy Lier, Waterville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Mary (Burroughs) Helgeson; son, Jim Helgeson; step-daughter, Joanne Lier; siblings, Norbert (Karen) Helgeson and Dick Helgeson; brothers-in-law: Ray Beer, Robert Jones and Robert Howe.