Arthur O. Helgerson, 78, of Belvidere, died Thursday, October 19, 2006 in the Emergency Department of O.S.F. St. Anthony Medical Center following a sudden illness. He was born October 10, 1928 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin to Oscar and Rhoda (Burkum) Helgerson. He was raised in Gays Mills, Wisconsin where he worked on the family farm. Arthur married Joyce Aspenson in Utica, Lutheran Church in rural Crawford County, Wisconsin on December 28, 1951. Following his service to his country, he and his wife, Joyce moved to Belvidere in 1953. He then worked for W.F. and John Barnes as a Hydraulic Pipe fitter for 26 years, and then for Pfauter Maag as an operating engineer until retiring in 1993. After retirement he worked for B T & E Company part-time. Arthur is a veteran of the Korean Conflict serving the army from 1951 to 1953. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and the American Legion, Boone Post 77. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing. Arthur is survived by his wife, Joyce; three children, Dan (Tracy); Robert (Melissa) and Alan (Frances) Helgerson, all of Belvidere; seven grandchildren; three great grandchildren; a sister, Marion Ahnen, Reedstown, Wisc. He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother and a sister.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church in his memory.