Bonita M. Helgeson

FUNERAL SERVICES : 11:00 A.M., Monday, November 11, 2013 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills, MNVISITATION : 4 P.M. to 7 P.M., Friday November 8, 2013 at Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN.INTERMENT : Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, Hills, MNSURVIVORS : " th grade. She went on to attend high school in Bayard where she was captain of the girls basketball team and graduated with the class of 1941. After graduation, Bonnie ventured to Perry, IA where she gained employment at the local dime store. From 1942 to 1945, Bonnie worked at the Ankeny Defense Plant where she inspected the production of 50 caliber bullets. In 1945, she worked for the Younkers Department Store in Des Moines, IA for a time. In 1946, she moved to Sioux Falls, SD where she worked for the Fantles Department Store in the cosmetics department. She also gained employment as a hat check girl at the Arkota Ballroom in Sioux Falls, SD where she met a handsome young sailor named Julien Helgeson. On November 20, 1949, they were united in marriage at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills, MN. This union was blessed with four children: Nancy, Jeff, Kathy and Greg. The young family made their home in the Hills area where they engaged in farming. Bonnie dedicated her life to making a warm and loving home for her family. She was a wonderful cook and baker who will long be remembered for her delicious Sunday chicken dinners. Bonnie also worked long and hard along side her husband in the farming operation. In 1972, Bonnie and Julien purchased a home on Stony Lake southeast of Park Rapids, MN. They enjoyed spending their summers there for many years until 1991 when they built a year round home and moved there permanently. Julien preceded Bonnie in death in April of 1999. She continued making her home on the lake until 2002 and then moved into Park Rapids. Bonnie was a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids and a former member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hills and the Park Rapids Antique Tractor Club, the Park Rapids Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 Auxiliary and for 14 years served as secretary of the Hills, MN American Legion Auxiliary. Bonnie enjoyed doing embroidery work and crafts for her family and friends and especially had been known for making decorated sweatshirts for over 20 years. Above all, Bonnie devoted her life to her family and friends who she loved with all her heart. She will lovingly be remembered by her four children: Nancy (Doug) Pederson of Plymouth, MN; Jeff (Janie) Helgeson of St. Paul, MN; Kathy (Darwin) Baack of Minnetrista, MN and Greg (Carol) Helgeson of South Padre Island, Texas; six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; one sister Dorothy (Pat) Adamson of Jefferson, IA; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many special friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Julien; her parents; and one brother, Donald.