Donna Helgeson

DONNA RAE HELGESON Donna Helgeson, 62 of Fargo, died Saturday, November 4, 2006 in the Palliative Care Unit of MeritCare Hospital, Fargo. Donna Schaller was born on August 16, 1944, the oldest of five children born to Joe and Phyllis Schaller of Jamestown, ND. She grew up in Jamestown, and spent time in the summers with her grandmother, Edna Markuson, of Hannaford, ND, and time with her grandmother Ann Schaller, of Fargo. She attended St. John's Academy in Jamestown, graduating in 1962. After high school she moved to Fargo to attend Dakota Business College. Donna worked for various businesses in Fargo. On April 20, 1968 she married Duane Helgeson at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Fargo. A year later the Helgesons moved to Norfolk, Virginia, where Duane was stationed in the Navy. One of the first experiences they shared as newlyweds was having their car broken into and all their wedding gifts stolen. Donna was employed by a consulting engineering firm while Duane sailied the seas. When Duane was on leave they traveled the eastern states and came to enjoy and appreciate the beauty and history of that area. In 1972 they returned to Fargo. Donna worked at a consulting engineering firm in Fargo before taking employment in the finance department with the City of Fargo in 1975, a position she held until her death. Her interests included motorcycling, camping, gardening, and traveling. She enjoyed spending time with her nephews, nieces and Godchildren, and holidays at her parent's home in Jamestown. But most of all, she loved time spent and travelling with her best friend and companion, Duane. She is survived by her husband, Duane of Fargo; her parents, Joe and Phyllis Schaller of Jamestown, four brothers, John, Jim (Illa), Gary all of Jamestown and Bill (Carol) of Killdeer, ND, five nieces, three nephews, two Godchildren and numerous great nieces and nephews, all of whom gave her great pleasure and joy. She was preceded in death by her grandmothers, mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, and one nephew. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley or Roger Maris Cancer Center. Memorial Service: Thursday, November 9 at 1:00 pm at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo. Arrangements entrusted to Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo.