Orlen Helgerson

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, November 15, 2024 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Palo with Pastor Jeanne Madsen officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Rauha Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora.

Orlen Helgerson, 92, of Palo died Thursday, November 7, 2024 at Essentia Health-Northern Pines in Aurora.

He was born on August 13, 1932 and raised on a farm near Thief River Falls by his parents, Alfred and Hannah (Eneback) Helgerson. The family later moved to Winger, MN. Orlen moved again to the Iron Range where he began working for Erie Mining Co. In 1953 he enlisted in the US Army where he was stationed in Germany. Orlen was united in marriage to Doris Belange on June 15, 1956. Orlen was employed at Erie Mining CO as a millwright until his retirement after forty-three years. He was an excellent mechanic. The greasier he got, the more he liked it. He enjoyed making rope for the Laskiainen and other fall festivals and attending auctions. One of his fondest memories was the trip by draft horse covered wagon to North Dakota with his uncle. Orlen was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and a charter member of the Palo Fire Department. He will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years: Doris; his precious children: Robert (Kathy) of SC, Julie Helgerson of Palo, Tom (Karla) Helgerson of Aurora, Denise (John) McGlynn of CT, and Brenda Helgerson of Palo; sixteen grandchildren; foster children: Lance, Joe, and Wade; many great-grandchildren; sister, Dorothy Bell of Hibbing; in-laws: Ila Fodness, Norma Jean Aho, Don (Pam) Belange, Glen Belange, Richard Belange and Susan (Karl) Canfield; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and his loving dog, Rex.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Camille; grandson, Patric McGlynn; brother, Morris; dear cousin, Ernie; uncle, Melvin Eneback; and his parents.

Orlen’s family would like to thank the staff of Essentia Health-Northern Pines for the wonderful care he received. A special thank you to all of Orlen’s family, friends, neighbors and church family for their support and comforting prayers and hugs.