MILDRED HELGESON

     Mildred H. Helgeson, 97, died peacefully in her sleep on September 20, 2021. At her moment of passing, Mildred's daughter, Susan, was holding her hand.

      “Millie” was born in Navarino, Wisconsin, to Esther and Peter Peterson. Her early years were spent living on a farm there, even after her father passed away when Millie was only one year old. Later, her mother; sister, Luella; brother, Aldo; and Millie moved to the “big city” of Neenah when Millie was 14 years old.

     After graduating from Neenah High School, Millie earned her cosmetology diploma and became a beautician, which was her life-long career. Millie and her sister, Luella, were the co-owners of the former Susan Kay Beauty Shop of Neenah.

     Soft-spoken and kind, Millie was loved by her customers and anyone lucky enough to know her. “How could anyone not love Millie?” one of her cousins said.

     Millie was blessed with two children -- a daughter, Susan, and a son, Larry – from her first marriage. She adored her children and, as a single parent, did everything she could to make a good home for them.

     After her children became young adults and left home, Millie found a special love, Les Helgeson. The two married and experienced much joy, such as wintering in Florida, playing bridge with friends, square dancing, and rooting for the Green Bay Packers.

     Millie's life revolved around her family and friends. She loved cooking for anyone who came for a visit. She especially loved baking chocolate chip cookies and brownies for her grandchildren and, later, great-grandchildren.

     And Christmas was a very special time for Millie. Proud of her Norwegian/Swedish heritage, Millie's kitchen often smelled of lefse, “krumkake,” and Swedish meatballs. Of course, lutefisk was part of her Christmas menu for many years.

     Throughout her life, Millie was guided by her Christian faith. To her, the teachings of Jesus Christ were about kindness and love for others. Her faith was such a source of inner strength during difficult times, such as when loved ones passed away or when colon cancer took hold of her in her younger years.

     Millie, always positive, survived cancer. This soft-spoken and much-loved woman then went on to live a long and healthy life.

     And, at the very end, with her daughter holding her hand, Millie left this earth to be with loved ones who had passed away before her, and to be with Jesus.

     Millie was preceded in death by her husband, Les. Her survivors include her children and their spouses, her stepchildren, and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

     A funeral service honoring Millie will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 2 at Westgor Funeral Homes in Neenah. A visitation begins at 9:30 a.m. Masks are required. A burial service at the Ascension Lutheran Church in Navarino will follow.