Gordon Russell Helgeson

Gordon Russell Helgeson, 75, De Pere, passed away Saturday, May 15, 2010 at a local hospital. He was born March 4, 1935 in Jamestown, ND, son of the late Elmer Millard and Alice Caroline (Sundberg) Helgeson. In 1953, Gordon graduated from Central High School in St. Paul, MN. He was camp counselor for two years at Camp St. Croix in Hudson, WI, and developed many lifelong friendships there. He graduated from Yankton College, Yankton, SD, and received his Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Minnesota. He attended UW-Stout and received his Clinical Psychology License. Gordon worked as a Teacher, School Administrator, School Psychologist, and had a private Clinical Psychology practice in Green Bay. Gordon married Ruth Carolyn Sheldon on June 8, 1958, in Sioux Falls, SD. Gordon was an outstanding athlete at the University of Minnesota. He was also a life-long and enthusiastic learner. His many interests included riding motorcycles and bird watching (often at the same time; playing guitar; deaf sign language; camping; outdoor activities; music, and bridge for which he obtained his Life Master. He was active in the community and was a former president of United Cerebral Palsy as well as member of Union Congregational church, where he served as a deacon. He loved working with children and people and was empathetic towards others, always accepting of people’s differences. He exhibited integrity and grace throughout his life and especially towards the end as he struggled with illness. Survivors include his loving wife, Ruth, De Pere; three daughters: Beth (Michael) Hauser, Rebecca (Henning) Grassau, and Allison Helgeson and her special friend Tony M. Olp and his daughter Malia; three grandchildren: Hannah Grassau, and Theo and Anna Hauser; and three foreign-exchange granddaughters Kathi Keim, Bo Ram Yim, and Sophie Ahlberg; one sister, Beverly Sherer; and several nieces and nephews. Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister. Family and friends may call Thursday, May 20, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave., De Pere. A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m., with the Rev. Scott Naevested officiating. Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotterfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in his name; donations will go to Cerebral Palsy, Inc. in Green Bay.