In Memory

Herb Helgeson

Herb Helgeson

Herb's Obituary

Herbert Henry Helgeson, 77, was born on October 18, 1942 in Grand Forks, North Dakota and died unexpectantly on September 4, 2020.  Herb was the youngest and only son of five children born to Theodore Helgeson and Stella Jordahl.  Herb graduated from Central High School in 1960 and attended the University of North Dakota.  Herb also worked as a laboratory technician in the North Dakota National Guard for several years. 

Herb met Diane M Sayer, an RN, when he worked as an ambulance driver at Deaconess Hospital.  They were married on September 24th, 1965 in Brandon, Manitoba. 

Herb worked for 31 years for Straus Clothing Store in Grand Forks and retired in April 1997, when Straus closed their doors.  After his retirement from Straus Herb worked several part time jobs in Grand Forks for Menards, the University of North Dakota’s Facilities Department, and drove for Rydell Chevrolet Buick GMC.  One of Herb’s favorite jobs was working side by side with his son at Odin’s Belmont Service where he was fondly referred to as “Triple H”.

He loved to do yard work and spend time with his family especially his grandchildren around the pool.  Papa was always known for having the pool a balmy 87 degrees for his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Diane of 55 years, his children, Paul (Heather) Helgeson, Lisa (Tim) Rynning and six grandchildren, Joshua Horsley (Ophelie), Theodore Helgeson (Will), Sam Helgeson (Jessica), Zachary Rynning (Amanda), Britta LaBine (Blake) and Hannah Rynning (Max), great-grandchildren, Sophia Horsley (5) and Wesley Helgeson (5 months) and baby Rynning due September 2020.  Herb is also survived by his sisters Edna Mae Keller, Donna Burris, and Shirley Billberg and several nieces and nephews. Herb was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marlene Kuntz and nephew Timothy Burris.

At Herb's request, no services are planned.



 
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09/08/20 06:35 AM #1    

Herb Helgeson

Herb was a special husband to me. We only knew each other for two weeks and were eloped to Brandon, Manitoba two weeks later. We have been married for 55 years and I have loved him more every day. He was my rock. I have never lived on my own so I will have to learn to live alone. Herb and I planned for either one of dying so I knew exactly what he wanted. He told my daughter that he prayed he would go first as he did not know if he could handle losing me. 

Herb was at home sitting in his chair visiting with me and our son Paul about 3:30 PM and then all of a sudden he moaned and his eyes rolled back and he did not respond to me talking to him I felt a pulse. I called 911 and the fire department and police came instantly. They are only about 3 blocks from our house, ambulance took longer to get here. I cannot say enough about the skill and empathy of the fire fighters and police.

They put him on the floor and did CPR and use the heart  defibulator many times. Paul and I feel he died instantly and did not suffer as he and I both prayed we would go when God chose to take us. He was taken to the hospital but he was already gone so we disconnect the machines. He would have wanted that and would have wanted me to share with all of you

Paul said I could not do anything mom as he has paranealplastic auto immune disease and small cell lung cancer. I told Paul I could not do anything either but he was there for me as God planned. Herb was a wonderful father to both his children.

Herb loved his Class of 1960 classmates and kept in contact with the class. I neve have known anyone with such devotion to his class. You all are a special class and that is rare.  Diane Helgeson His wife always 

 

 

 

 

 

 


09/09/20 10:28 AM #2    

Don Rodningen

I'm sure Heb will be missed by his family as well as so many of his extended family and friends of many years.

I can sitll visualize him greeting me as I walked into the Straus store.. He had a warm smile for everyone and he continued to make sure the class of 60 stayed close all these years.. RIP


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