Erling "Butch" C. Helgeson

Erling "Butch" C. Helgeson, 85, of Stoddard, Wisconsin, passed away Monday, August 25, 2014 at Bethany Riverside Nursing Home in La Crosse.

Butch was born March 11, 1929 in Esofea, Vernon County to Henry and Tilda (Nerison) Helgeson. Butch served in the Korean War from 1951 to 1953 and was a life-long member of the Stoddard American Legion.

Butch was a jack of all trades that included service station owner, master mechanic, milk hauler, lineman, farmer and maintenance. He also enjoyed repairing lawn mowers. But most of all, he enjoyed helping out his siblings, children and grandchildren.

Survivors include two sons, Michael (Lori) Helgeson of Belfield, ND; Brent (Kathy) Helgeson of Holmen, WI; one daughter, Sue (Jason) Helgeson of Green Bay, WI; one daughter-in-law, Theresa Helgeson of Genoa, WI; 13 grandchildren: Brian (Katy) Helgeson of Bozeman, MT; Brandon Helgeson of Bangor, WI; Katy (Dallas) Stoll of Puyallup, WA; Megan Helgeson of Belfield, ND: Jake Burany of Green Bay, WI; Taylour Helgeson of Stoddard, WI; Ellen Barrett of Holmen, WI; Drake Helgeson of Coon Valley, WI; Bryce Barrett of Holmen, WI; Tanner Helgeson of Stoddard, WI; Bowe, Fletcher and Mya Helgeson of Genoa, WI; and two great granddaughters, Pennelope and Sophie Helgeson of Belfield, ND.

Butch was also survived by six sisters: Louise Christianson, Hilda Dahlke, Mable Groetsch, Anna Pedretti, Arlene (Francis) Furlano and Evenelle (Greg) Furlano, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Tilda; two sisters, Alice Payne and Alvina Krause; one brother, Clarence Helgeson; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Helgeson; one grandson, Cole Helgeson and one son, Joey (Joe) Helgeson.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday August 28, 2014 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley. Private interment with military honors will be in the Stoddard Cemetery.