Funeral services for Mercedes Angeline Helgeson, 86, of Clarissa, were held on Friday, December 1, 2006 at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Clarissa with Reverend David Peterson officiating.  Merc passed away on November 28 at the Centracare Hospital in Long Prairie.  Casket Bearers were Klif Helgeson, Ron Helgeson, Mark Helgeson, Sarah Helgeson, Amy Helgeson, Jennifer Helgeson  

Merc was born in Detroit Lakes MN on August 30, 1920 to Spurgeon and Zoe Hanson.

She married Kenneth Franklin Helgeson on July 30, 1939 in Audubon MN.  They began their life together in Perham MN, then moved to Clarissa in 1949 when Ken assumed management responsibility for the Eagle Valley Co-op Oil Association.  During their 67 years of marriage, Merc and Ken had three sons: Klif (wife Jane), Ron and Mark (wife Barb).

Merc cherished time with family.  She was also an avid, prize-winning gardener.  She loved camping trips and the out-of-doors. Her passion, of course, was music.  And as a woman of faith, she made it her ministry.  Her talent as a pianist was God-given.  She honored Him by sharing it generously.   As church organist and accompanist she played regularly at worship services, weddings and funerals.  She also entertained at senior-citizens gatherings, care centers, and countless special events.   Merc’s legacy includes having taught many young people to play who are now carrying the joy of creating and sharing music forward in their lives. 

Merc was a member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, in Clarissa, Ladies aid, Ladies aid social circle, Garden Club, Church Organist, VFW Auxiliary Chairwoman (Perham MN), Pianist:  Countless weddings and funerals, at the care center, senior citizens center, and many special events.                                        

Merc was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister, Dorthea (Sis) Cumming. 

She is survived by her husband; her children and daughters-in-law; her grandchildren Sarah Vance (Tom), Cammie Smith (Brian), Ken Helgeson (Kris), Mike Helgeson (Sandy), Amy Helgeson and Jennifer Helgeson; and great grandchildren Sarah Smith, Jennifer Lunnenborg, Nicholas Lunnenborg, Aaron Smith, Nicholas Hay and Rachel Lunnenborg, siblings:  Richard Hanson of Brooklyn Center MN; Donna Singleton of Minneapolis;

Through her free- spirit, boundless energy and the heart-felt sharing of her special gifts,   Merc touched the lives of many.  She will be deeply missed .      

Interment was held at Zion Lutheran Cemetery of the former Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Clarissa.