Mildred Helgeson
Mildred Helgeson, 91, of Williston, N.D., and formerly of the Alexander area, passed away at the Bethel Lutheran Nursing Home late Thursday evening, Jan.16, 2014.
Her funeral was celebrated Friday morning, Jan. 24, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Williston. Rev. Benjamin Loven officiated and interment was in Hillside Memory Gardens.
Mildred was born Sept. 24, 1922, in rural Alexander, N.D., to Bruce and Lottie (Bredahl) Hancock. She was raised on the family farm and attended Elk Township School.
On Jan. 25, 1946, Mildred was united in marriage to Helmer Helgeson at Wolf Point, Mont. They settled on the family farm in Elk Township. All through their married life, Mildred was a homemaker, but helped with many of the farm and ranch duties. Helmer passed away on Jan. 28, 1978.
Mildred was very active throughout her life and was a member of Friendly Neighbors Homemaker’s Club for 55 years, Sons of Norway, VFW Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, James Memorial Preservation Society, Veterans and Friends of the Old Armory, Council on Aging Board, Secretary for Older Americans Day, Youth Director with McKenzie County Farmers Union, and helped with Salute to Moms, College For Seniors and at the Williston Senior Citizens Center.
During her life, Mildred collected over 400 sets of salt and pepper shakers, plates and spoons from all over the world, hosted foreign students, wrote news stories for the McKenzie County Farmer for sixty-plus years, and enjoyed traveling with senior groups.
She is survived by her son, Byron (Beth) Helgeson and their two boys, Seth and Saul (Emily) Helgeson; two daughters, Charlotte (Al) Rehberg and their children, Jennifer (Chris) Hutchinson and Jeremy Rehberg, and Barbara (Brian) Bennigsdorf and her son, Chuck (Michelle) Hannegrefs; nine great-grandchildren, Mikayla, Mason, Austyn, Annabelle, Madyson, McKenna, Caleb, Adalynn and Connor; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her husband; her parents, Bruce and Lottie Hancock; her brother, Milton Hancock; and her two sisters, Laura Fossum and Verna Swenson.
Memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church, Bethel Lutheran Home Activities Fund or the Arbor House Assisted Living.
Friends are welcome to visit www.eversonfh.com to share memories of Mildred or leave condolences for her family.