March 16, 1934 – September 27, 2025
Roger Dean Helgeson, age 91, of Kensett, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Manly Specialty Care in Manly.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Elk Creek Lutheran Church, 4108 Killdeer Ave, Kensett, IA, with visitation beginning one hour prior. He will be laid to rest at Elk Creek Lutheran Cemetery immediately following the service. Family and friends are invited to continue honoring Roger at a reception held at the Manly American Legion Post 110, 110 E Elmore St, Manly, IA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Elk Creek Lutheran Church.
Roger Helgeson was born on March 16, 1934, on his family’s farm near Lake Mills, Iowa, to James and Lulu (Nessa) Helgeson. From the very beginning, Roger’s life was marked by deep roots in the land and an unshakable sense of purpose. He grew up where hard work wasn’t just a task, it was a way of life. The country schoolhouse sat right on the farm, making attendance non-negotiable and setting the tone for Roger’s lifelong commitment to showing up and giving his all.
After graduating from Kensett High School, Roger took a bold leap and headed west with his good friend, Duane Larson, eventually landing in California. There, he worked hard, saved every penny, and bought a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, then rode it all the way back to Iowa, a ride symbolic of Roger’s journey: adventurous, determined, and always headed back home to his roots.
Not long after, Roger answered the call to serve his country. He proudly joined the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1953 to 1955 during the Korean War. As a Corporal in the 1st Tank Division, Roger carried out his duty with honor, grit, and the quiet humility that would define him for the rest of his life.
When he returned to Iowa, fate stepped in and introduced him to Beverly Boutelle, their paths intertwining at Mercy Hospital. Their connection was instant, and on August 3, 1963, they were married at Elk Creek Lutheran Church, the same church that would become a constant in their life together.
Roger was a man who found joy in the simple things: planting rows of sweet corn, tinkering with farm equipment, tending his garden of tomatoes, and fixing just about anything with his own two hands. He butchered his own cattle, built his home alongside a carpenter, and you may have seen him at Menard’s a time or two.
He was the definition of a true Iowa man: steady, loyal, and strong, yet deeply kind and generous. His work ethic was unmatched—he missed just one day of work over many decades, and even after “retirement,” he continued working until the age of 83. There was always something to fix, something to grow, someone to help.
Roger was a man of few words, but the ones he chose mattered. He could be tough and stubborn, but those who knew him best also saw the big-hearted softie underneath—the man who never missed a sporting event, who sat in the front row cheering for his kids and grandkids, beaming with pride. His family always came first.
Roger is survived by his children, Steven (Sally) Helgeson, Dr. Rodney Helgeson (Jennifer), and Lori (Mike) Peters; his beloved grandchildren, Brittany (Danny), Brandon, Makayla, Shaun, Joseph “Joey” (Blaire), Caelan (Ayla), Connor, Tyler, and Jacob; and great-grandchildren, Jayson and Jaymes. He is also survived by his siblings: Joan, Jimmy, Ronald, Betty, Bobby, and Kevin; and sister-in-law, Nancy; as well as special friends and neighbors Tom and Marilyn Hanna.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 42 years, Beverly; infant son, Timothy; his parents, James and Lulu Helgeson; parents-in-law, Everett and Edna Boutelle; step-father in-law, Heinz Seamann; brothers-in-law, Bob, Russell, and Dave; special friends and neighbors, Norman, Marlene, and Kay Backhaus.
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