Gloria Helgeson

Gloria Jean Helgeson, 73, of Pierpont, SD, was called to her heavenly home on Friday, March 3, 2023.

Due to weather conditions there will be no visitation.

Funeral Services for Gloria will be held on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Fiksdal Funeral Service with a luncheon to follow. Burial will be in the Bristol Cemetery in the spring. Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Lori Rabenberg, 1205 7^th Street, Britton, SD 57430.

Gloria Jean Helgeson, the middle daughter of Everett and Lorinda (Roth) Morehouse was born on August 23, 1949. She graduated with the Class of 1967 from Bristol High School. She married Elwood Axness and to that union, two girls were born. She later married Orville Helgeson. Growing up as a farm girl, she learned to work hard and appreciate the value of a dollar. These values were life lessons Gloria put to good use throughout her entire life. She also instilled these values to her daughters, Lori and Tammi. There was never a doubt she loved family fiercely.

Bookkeeping was her calling. She enjoyed a long career at the Farmers’ Union station in Pierpont, SD. Along with office work, you could find her opening the store on Sundays to help neighbors with supplies, cooking food for customer appreciation events, and being a supportive team member to her Cenex colleagues. She thought of many of her coworkers as her family. Following the closing of Cenex, she continued her bookkeeping career working for Cal and Mary Hayenga at their farm. The Hayengas, Hugheses and the entire farm crew also became like family. She was not only a bookkeeper; her role also included parts runs, supplying goodies for coffee time, cooking meals for harvest time, tending to the farm pets, and sharing in the operation of the farm.

Throughout her life, she enjoyed reading, cooking, baking, gardening and canning. In later years, visiting the nail salon was a source of enjoyment and time to spend with her granddaughters. Grandma was so very proud of her five grandchildren—and she never missed an opportunity to share stories and accolades of their accomplishments.

During her last days in the hospital, one of her doctors said she seemed like the “ultimate caregiver”. There isn’t a more fitting description. She was never afraid to show her love for her family and friends. She had great love for her nieces and nephews and their families as well as her ‘adopted’ families, especially the Vedvei/Bell, Stiklestad and Sikkink families.

She is survived by daughters Lori (Brian) Rabenberg and Tammi (Cory) Geffre. Grandkids Mallori (Nathan) Jones, Jared Rabenberg, Parker Geffre, Samantha Geffre, Alexis Geffre. Sister Muriel (Craig) Nilson, brother-in-law Gene Harstad, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Jackie Harstad, niece Dana Harstad and many special friends.

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness.’—Mathew 25:23