Wayne passed away peacefully on April 15, 2019 after a brave battle with cancer. Wayne Henry Helgeson was born on July 22, 1956 in Roseau, Minnesota to Lloyd Raymond & Dellia Helgeson. In 1957 the Helgeson family moved from Roseau to International Falls, Minnesota. While growing up Wayne enjoyed fishing, snowmobile racing, horseback riding, and hockey. Over his development he held many jobs such as babysitter, paperboy, snow shoveler, and butcher. Graduating from Falls High School early in 1974 Wayne enlisted in the United States Navy the age of 17. He started as a cook in San Francisco at Naval Station Treasure Island. Wayne would later go on to become a Machinists Mate Diesel Boat Mechanic on many naval submarines and ships. While serving at Treasure Island, Wayne met his future wife Mecaila Sablan San Nicolas. They wed on August 25, 1975 at the Wedding Bells Chapel in Reno, Nevada. On March 26, 1983 they gave birth to their only child, Wayne Henry Helgeson Jr.. Wayne served from coast to coast and as far as Guam seeing every corner of the globe. In 1994, with the rank of E-8 Senior Chief, Wayne retired from the navy in San Diego, CA. Wayne was only 38 years old. During retirement Wayne began his second career in 1997 as an Automotive Mechanic with the United States Border Patrol. During this time he became an ASE Certified Master Mechanic. He was stationed at the in El Cajon garage where he made it his second home and received numerous awards in job excellence. In 2018 Wayne fully committed to retirement from the Border Patrol as an Automotive Supervisor after serving nearly 21 years. Throughout his adult life Wayne continued to have a passion for fishing, monster trucks, good jokes, football, hitting jackpots, and cold beer.
Wayne will forever be missed, emulated, and be remembered for having a great sense of humor; his delicious deserts and well-rounded cooking/grilling skills; his warm and playful personality; his love and generosity for family; everyone’s favorite uncle; and for just being an all around great guy that you would want to have at any gathering. And last but not least his homemade “BBBD” - butt-burnin’ beer drinkin’ - beef jerky!
He is survived by his wife Mecaila San Nicolas Helgeson; son Wayne Henry Helgeson Jr.; mother Dellia Helgeson
sisters and brother Beverley & Ronald Hoffmann, Mayra & Gregory Heffner, Elvira & Butch Gordon, Nancy & Stan Kunkel, Raymond & Helen Helgeson
brother and sister in laws Juan & Margarita San Nicolas, Frank & Carmen San Nicolas, Eulogio San Nicolas, and Lourdes San Nicolas
Preceded by his father Lloyd Raymond Helgeson; father and mother in law Jose Cruz & Rosa Sablan San Nicolas; brother and sister in laws Margarita and Dimas Acfalle, Jesus and Rita San Nicolas, Jose Sablan San Nicolas, and Gregorio Sablan San Nicolas
Additionally he is remembered in the hearts of numerous nieces and nephews from Minnesota, Tennessee, New Mexico, Georgia, Washington, and Guam.
Viewing will be held on May 1st, 2019 at the Little Chapel of Roses in Glen Abbey Memorial Park, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902, from 6pm - 9pm and funeral services will be held May 2, 2019 at 11:30am at the same location. He will be buried at the Miramar National Cemetery.
Please join the family for a catered reception at the Glen Abbey Little Lodge, 3838 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902, on May 2, 2019 from 3pm - 7pm.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18