Funeral services for Kenneth Franklin Helgeson, 94, of Clarissa, were held on Saturday, November 29, 2008 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Clarissa with Reverend Melissa Ehrhardt officiating.  Casket bearers were Klif Helgeson, Ron Helgeson, Mark Helgeson, Sarah Vance, Ken Helgeson and Jennifer Helgeson.  Ken passed away on November 26 at St. Cloud Hospital.   

Ken was born on May 13, 1914 in Mayville, North Dakota to Knute and Alma (Tholen) Helgeson.   He was united in marriage with Mercedes Hanson on July 30, 1939 in Audubon, Minnesota.   During their 67 years together, Ken and Merc had three sons:  Klif (wife Jane), Ron and Mark (wife Barb). 

Ken was a successful businessman.  His life was further defined by caring dedication to family, church and community.  In 1935 he began a long and noteworthy career within the cooperative movement when he joined the Big 5 Co-op Oil in Detroit Lakes Minnesota as a bookkeeper.  He subsequently managed Co-op service stations in Perham Minnesota and Winger Minnesota.   In 1949 Ken moved his family to Clarissa, beginning a 33-year tenure as manager of the Eagle Valley Co-op Oil Association.  While managing the Co-op Oil, he also served on the boards of various state and regional cooperative organizations, including the Minnesota Association of Cooperatives (board president from 1972-1980); the Cooperative Auditing Service; and MidAmerica Mutual Life Insurance Company (board president from 1983-1988).

A man of faith, Ken was a member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Clarissa.  He earlier served as president and treasurer of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, and as president and board member of the church-affiliated Knute Nelson Memorial Home in Alexandria, Minnesota.       

Ken loved camping trips and the out-of-doors.  He had a passion for flying, and was a prime mover in the founding of airports in Perham and Clarissa.  He also was an avid motorcyclist.   

Ken is survived by his children and daughters-in-law; his grandchildren Sarah Vance (Tom), Cammie Smith (Brian), Ken Helgeson (Kris), Mike Helgeson (Sandy), Amy Helgeson (Brent) and Jennifer Helgeson; and great grandchildren Jennifer Lunnenborg, Nicholas Lunnenborg, Rachel Lunnenborg, Sarah Smith, Aaron Smith and Nicholas Hay. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Merc, his parents, his sister Gladys Miller, and his brother Garfield Helgeson.

Interment was held at Zion Lutheran Cemetery of the former Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Clarissa.