Dorothy J. Helgeson

Dorothy J. Helgeson, 89, of Stoddard, died Saturday August 25, 2012 at Bethany Riverside in La Crosse. She was born January 15, 1923 to Sigurd and Edna (Hoff) Christianson in Vernon County. She attended Oak Ridge School, rural Stoddard and graduated from Central High School in La Crosse. Dorothy married Clarence Helgeson on November 30, 1940 at Lower Coon Valley Lutheran Church. The couple lived in Genoa for 14 years before moving to Stoddard. Clarence died April 21, 1991. Dorothy worked at La Crosse Footwear for 29 years, retiring in March of 1985. She was an active member of the Lower Coon Valley Lutheran Church and WELCA. Dorothy enjoyed baking, gardening, embroidery and watching the Milwaukee Brewers.

Survivors include one daughter, Julianne Wopat of Holmen; two sons, Marlin (Julie) Helgeson of La Crosse and Mark (Teresa) Helgeson of Stoddard; 9 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; one sister Margaret Esterle and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Clarence, a son Cletus, a son-in-law Bernard Wopat, a brother Orvis Christianson and two great grandchildren Aiden and Sophie Wopat.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday August 29, 2012 at the Lower Coon Valley Lutheran Church. Rev. Donald Fox will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley and at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until service time.