Berniece Marie Helgeson

The funeral service for Berniece Helgeson, 95, of Minneota, will take place on Friday, June 21, 2024, at Hope Lutheran Church beginning at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be at Horvath Remembrance Center in Minneota, MN on Thursday, June 20, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. A Visitation will continue on Friday, June 21, 2024, at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will take place at Hope Lutheran Cemetery following the funeral service. Upon conclusion of the graveside service, a luncheon will be held at the church.

Berniece Marie (Nielson) Helgeson was born on January 19, 1929, to Niels and Maren (Tambo) Nielsen on the family farm in Diamond Lake Township. She grew up in Diamond Lake attending country school. She was baptized on February 17, 1929, and confirmed on March 29, 1942, at Diamond Lake Lutheran Church. Berniece graduated from Lake Benton High School on May 30, 1946. Upon graduation, she continued her education at the Minneapolis Business College attaining her certificate of completion on March 21, 1947. 

After completing her education Berniece returned to Southwest Minnesota and began working at the Lyon County Court House. During this time she met and fell in love with Kenny Helgeson. The couple was united in marriage on September 17, 1955, at the Diamond Lake Lutheran Church. The couple raised their family on a farm north of Minneota. 

Berniece’s faith was important to her. She was active in her church teaching Sunday school for many years and leading the Hope Lutheran Cheer Committee. She took advantage of every opportunity to participate in the Hope Lutheran Circle and Aid. She also assisted with the Eidsvold One Fund and was the secretary for the Yellow Medicine River Watershed. 

Berniece had many hobbies throughout her lifetime. She loved the outdoors, whether it be going on walks, taking camping trips, sitting around a bonfire, feeding her birds, or spending time on the lake.  She also liked going out to eat, playing Phase 10, going to musicals, embroidery, word searches, reading (until it became too difficult for her to see)  and she always had a smile on her face. Berniece enjoyed shopping, attending craft shows, and relaxing at wineries. Berniece’s family was the most important thing in her life. She took many trips with her husband. Some of the highlights of their travels include trips to Hawaii, Nova Scotia, Mexico, and Alaska. 

Berniece passed away peacefully on June 16, 2024, at the Clarkfield Care Center. 

She is survived by her children Julie (Arlen) Koepp, Twyla (David) Korthals, Sonya Brewers; grandchildren Megan Koepp, Robert (Nicole) Koepp, Scott (Jennifer) Koepp, Danielle (Brian) Overman, Aaron (Morgan) Korthals, Jeffrey Brewers, Mikkel Brewers, Samantha Brewers; great-grandchildren Ryann and Nixon Koepp, Makaia, Kensley and Liviana Koepp, Pierce and Boston Overman, Owen Brewers; special friends Max Yeo, and Darrel Anderson; many nieces and nephews. 

She is preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Helgeson; parents Niels and Maren Nielsen; infant son; grandson Timothy Koepp; sister Margie Meyer; many other loved family members.