Helgeson, Dick

Dick Helgeson, 71, of Decorah, died Thursday, March 28, 2013, at the Wellington Place Nursing Home in Decorah. Mass of Christian Burial was held April 1, 2013, at St. Benedict Catholic Church, Decorah, with the Rev. Phillip Gibbs presiding. Burial was in St. Benedict Catholic Cemetery.

Richard Alfred “Dick” Helgeson was born on July 17, 1941, the son of Elmer and Mary (Burroughs) Helgeson in Dorchester, Iowa. Dick attended country school in Pleasant Township, starting at the age of four, where his mother, Mary, was the teacher. He graduated from Decorah High School in 1959 and worked for MacMaster and Keck's Ford Garage. He was united in marriage to Janice Keck on June 10, 1961, at St. Benedict Catholic Church.

Dick later worked for Dahly Chevrolet, and in 1965, Dick went into partnership with Shafe Cole to purchase East Side Body. When Shafe retired in 1996, Dick continued to operate the wrecker business, until his retirement in 2004. During these years, he saved many lives, long before the “Jaws of Life” were in existence.

Dick served his community and his family throughout his life. He was an active member of the Decorah Fire Department for nearly 28 years, serving as fire chief for seven of those years. Dick took care of his parents' farm, along with his own, enjoying the land and the time he spent on it with his family.

In his younger days, he enjoyed golfing, stock cars and fishing in Minnesota with his family. Dick could often be seen pushing dirt, knocking down trees and riding along with his grandchildren on his bulldozer. He was never alone, always having special guidance from his dog, Cocoa.

Dick is survived by his wife, Jan Helgeson, Decorah; four children, Tim (Cami) Helgeson, Ames, Todd (friend Misty Maaya) Helgeson, Orlando, Fla., Terry (Carrie) Helgeson, Cedar Rapids and Traci Schmitz, Cedar Rapids; 10 grandchildren, Rick and Jason Helgeson, Gannon and Easton Schmitz, Peyton Helgeson, Emma and Grace Helgeson, Samantha Flickinger and A.J. and Brice Novotny; one brother, Ed (Theresa) Helgeson, Decorah; one sister, June Beer, Cedar Rapids; one sister-in-law, Linda (Dennis) DeBuhr, Waukon; two brothers-in-law, Bill Keck, Davenport and Dave (Sarah) Ottesen, Decorah; along with many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Mary (Burroughs) Helgeson; one brother, Norbert Helgeson; twin granddaughters, Kaylyn and Kelsey Helgeson; one daughter-in-law, Lisa Helgeson; his father and mother-in-law, Wes and Odella Keck; one brother-in-law, Ray Beer; one sister-in-law, Marlene Ottesen; and one nephew, Jim Helgeson.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be given in memory of Dick to the Dick Helgeson Memorial Fund.

Published in The Gazette April 2, 2013.