Betty Helgeson

Betty Jeanne Davies Helgeson, age 93, passed away June 7, 2014. She was born February 5, 1921 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin; she lived her entire life in Rhinelander. She was the daughter of George Davies and Ida Swensen. She was the wife of Russell A. Helgeson.

Surviving are her son, John Davies Helgeson, North Hudson, WI; daughter, Ida Ellen Smith and her husband H. Everett Smith, Pisgah Forest, NC; nephew Gary G. Davies, Pebble Beach, CA; niece Jeanne A. Davies, Spokane, WA; grandnephews Steven and Herbert Cihla; grandniece Jeanne Cihla; and great grandnephews Jake Cihla and Alex Cihla and great grandnieces Anica Cihla and Amanda Raths.

Betty graduated from high school in 1938 and attended UW extension in 1939. She went to work for the Rhinelander Daily News during World War II and retired from the newspaper after 45 years of service. She was an active volunteer in the community including St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, Military Order of the Cooties Auxiliary, the Mable Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, and the Rhinelander Historical Museum, among many others.

She was a lifetime member of St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, where she was a past vestry member and volunteered her time in many ways to serve the church.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, July 16, 2014 at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church with Father Dean Einerson officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. The family will receive friends following the service in the Guild Hall. Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home 715-365-4343 is assisting the family with arrangements. All are invited to light a candle and leave an online condolence at hildebranfh.com.