Kathleen J. Helgeson

Kathleen Joanne Helgeson, whose heart was even larger than her determination, 74, of Fargo, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021 with family by her side. Kathy was born May 15, 1946 in Fargo, North Dakota to Agnes (Duval) and Severe Cossette. She grew up on a farm South of Fargo, the youngest of six children. Kate, as her siblings and many beloved nieces and nephews referred to her as, graduated from St. Benedict’s Catholic School in Wild Rice, North Dakota. On September 19, 1964 Kathy married Orvin Helgeson at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church. Together they raised their greatest treasure, their family. They also operated their own business together, KJH Trucking, named after Kathy. Kathy ran the office until her recent hospitalization and also managed to work many years with her sister, Arlene, at MeritCare, where she retired from. Kathy’s life was first and foremost her family. Whether shopping, going out to eat, laughing, or traveling it was with her family. However, there was a few recon missions to find her at the mall pre cell phone days. She spent her “spare” time keeping everyone on track and had a knack for maintaining her home to an immaculate condition. It was not done for show, but rather to provide a proud place for her family to gather in comfort. She did this tirelessly and seemingly effortlessly and she instilled this value of home being what you make it and family being together to everyone. She touched each of her loved ones lives immensely by her caring grace, generosity, faith, and love. Kathy was the most limber grandmother around, whether it be climbing something she shouldn’t of been, crawling on the floor with the kids, or riding a scooter. She was often jokingly referred to as the “laundry fairy” by her grandchildren. Whenever they stayed, their clothes would miraculously be clean when they woke up the next day whether they had things in the pockets or not. You knew it was out of love, as everything she did was. The world would be a better place if everyone had a mother and grandmother like Kathy. Everyone who met her noted her caring nature and smile. It will never be forgotten. Kathy is survived by her husband Orvin of 56 years; children Rhonda (Bill) Lebus, Lake City, SD, & Renee (Doug) Robinson, Walker, MN. She is also survived by her 4 grandchildren, Elisha (Aric) Washburn, Hope, ND, Ryan Helgeson, Lake City, SD, Dacotah Robinson, Fargo, ND, Logan Robinson, Fort Collins, CO, & 5 great-grandchildren Mandy, Chevy, Wells, Brynlee, & Pax, and sister Arlene (Dennis) Jensen. She was preceded in death by her parents Agnes & Severe Cossette, brothers Jerome (Charlotte) & Leo Cossette, sisters Theresa (Harvey) Savageau & Rosemary (William) Kahler, mother and father-in-law Ethel & Halvor Helgeson, brother in laws Herman & Ardell Helgeson, nephews, James & Jeff Cossette, & Allen Sauvageau, & nieces Diane Waclawik & Pamela Kreyer. Visitation will take place from 6:00-7:00 PM followed by a prayer service at 7:00 PM Thursday, April 15, 2021 at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo. Visitation will continue from 9:00-10:00 AM Followed by a memorial service at 10:00 AM Friday, April 16, 2021 at the funeral home. Food and fellowship with the family will continue after the memorial service, Friday.