February 27, 1944 – September 14, 2026
Connie Mae Helgeson was born in Springfield, Minnesota, and grew up in parsonages in Springfield, Fairhaven, Kimball & finally Elisabeth alongside eleven siblings. Life as a minister's daughter helped shape the deep faith, quiet strength, and devotion to family that defined her throughout her life.
At the young age of 17, Connie met the love of her life, Richard Marvin Helgeson. They married and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, beginning a remarkable 62-year journey together. Their marriage was defined by unwavering love and loyalty through life's greatest joys and continued challenges.
The story of Connie's life is both heartbreaking and beautiful, a contrast between the burdens she silently carried and the remarkable life she helped build. Connie often viewed herself through a far harsher lens than anyone else ever did. Yet while she sometimes struggled to recognize her own worth, those who loved her saw it clearly. The measure of her life was not found in accomplishments or recognition, but in the love she gave, the faith she shared, and the family she fiercely protected. And by that measure, our mother lived an extraordinarily successful life.
More than anything, Connie cherished her faith and her family. Passing her faith on to her children and grandchildren was one of the great callings of her life. She was a devoted wife, loving mother of three and proud grandmother of nine. Connie is survived by her husband Richard, Daughter and son-in-law, Martha & John Voss, son and daughter-in-law, Marv & Jan Helgeson, Daughter and son-in-law, Rachel and Dan Luken; her grandchildren, Johnny Voss, Maria Voss, Joey Voss, Annika Helgeson, Erik Helgeson, Angela Voss, Noah Luken, Alex Helgeson and Zachary Luken; her sister, Helen Larson and brothers Herb, Ken & Richard Kothe. Connie's legacy lives on in the husband she supported, children she helped shape, the grandchildren she adored and the faith that guided her throughout her life. She taught her family that faith and the unwavering support of loved ones are the foundation of a good life. She never believed she mattered as much as she truly did. Connie will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Connie's life by visiting her Dignity Memorial website at:
Connie Mae Helgeson and, if in person, on Friday, September 18th:
• Visitation @ 9am & 10am Christian Service - Eternal Life Lutheran Church: Mesa, AZ
• Christian Burial @ noon – Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park: Mesa, AZ
• Lunch & Fellowship following the burial @ Richard & Connie’s home in Mesa, AZ
