Marilyn Helgeson

Marilyn Rostvet Helgeson, 89, of Park River, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Society Nursing Home.

Born on March 8, 1936, Marilyn was the eldest of nine children of Olaus and Minnie (Axvig) Rostvet. She spent her early years on the family farm in Silvesta Township, attending Silvesta No. 82 School for all eight grades. A fond memory from those days was stopping at her Grandma Lena Axvig’s house after school for a big fork cookie and a glass of milk.

In the fall of 1950, the Rostvet family moved to Adams, ND, where Marilyn attended high school and graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1954. She went on to attend Interstate Business College in Fargo and began her professional career in the bookkeeping department at Grafton National Bank, where she worked for three and a half years. She later joined Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Fargo, working in the accounting department until her retirement.

On September 17, 1977, Marilyn married Forrest Helgeson at Holy Spirit Church in Fargo. They shared a loving marriage until Forrest’s passing in 1995.

Marilyn had a passion for gardening, especially roses, and was known for growing a wide variety of vegetables and flowers. She was a devoted family historian and took great pride in preserving family stories. A highlight of her later years was traveling to Norway in 2008 to visit the Aksvig homestead. She was thoughtful and generous, never missing a chance to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and other special occasions with heartfelt cards and handmade gifts. Her quilts and embroidered dishtowels are cherished by many.

Marilyn moved to Trollwood Apartments in Fargo, where she continued her quilting and took joy in helping set tables and participating in community life. In July 2024, she moved to the Good Samaritan Society Nursing Home. There, she enjoyed visiting with others, playing bingo, reading newspapers, attending devotions, singing (especially after receiving her new hearing aids), and savoring coffee time and the home’s good meals.

Marilyn took pride in her health and often shared that she had never been hospitalized—a distinction she wore with pride.

She is survived by her siblings: Shirley French of Park River; Bert (Jackie) Rostvet of Ayr, NE; James (Ardith) Rostvet of Ramona, CA; Roger (Dawn) Rostvet of Bismarck, ND; and Conrad Rostvet of Park River. She is also survived by her stepdaughter Myha (Ben) Ewoldt of Neillsville, WI; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband Forrest; her parents; her sister Amy Paulson; brothers Orlan and Marvin Rostvet; brothers-in-law Alvin French and Allen Paulson; sister-in-law Gloria Rostvet; and other beloved members of Forrest’s family.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 8, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, ND. Minister Michael Paulson will officiate. Marilyn will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery in Fargo.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Good Samaritan Society Nursing Home, 301 County Road 12B, Park River, ND 58270.