Phyllis Jean Helgeson

Phyllis Jean (Dockstader) Helgeson, age 99, passed away peacefully at her home in rural Rose Creek on Sunday, November 17, 2024, just a few days before her 100th birthday. Phyllis was born on November 22, 1924, in Otranto, Iowa, to Harry and Lucy (Dockum) Dockstader. 

Phyllis graduated from Otranto High School in 1942 where she was involved in many activities and was a member of the girls basketball team. She continued her education at Austin Junior College where she graduated with a two-year associate's degree in 1944. She worked at the Mower County Welfare office from 1944-1951. On June 20, 1948, she married Ervin Helgeson at St. Olaf Lutheran parsonage in Austin. She later became a homemaker and helper on the farm, milking cows, doing field work, and more. Phyllis was a member of Six Mile Grove Lutheran Church in rural Lyle, where she was active in many church activities and was a church organist for over 60 years at both Six Mile Grove Church and Mona Church. Phyllis volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota from May 1987 to early 2020. She served as the president of the volunteer association for two terms and was active in planning many volunteer activities. Phyllis was recognized in November 2018 for over 30 years of service to the Mayo Clinic Volunteer Program at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. 

Phyllis loved many outside activities like camping and fishing, mowing the lawn, gardening, driving the tractor in the field, and spending time with family and friends. 

Phyllis is survived by her son, Dale (Dawn) Helgeson of Rose Creek, Minnesota; daughter, Carol Machemer of Lino Lakes, Minnesota; daughter-in-law, Lacy Helgeson of Rose Creek, Minnesota; sister-in-law, Janice Helgeson of Glenville, Minnesota; grandchildren, Shelly (Jason) Kersey, Craig (Lynn) Helgeson, Cristy (Abraham) Macias, Jamey Helgeson, and Scott (Abby) Helgeson; great-grandchildren, Lauren Kersey, Reno and Brittany Kersey, Anthony and Adriana Macias, Kendra and Kaden Helgeson, Emmeryn, Marshall, Andie and Adele Helgeson; nephews, Denny (Ann) Helgeson of Lyle, Minnesota and David (Deb) Helgeson of Rochester, Minnesota; and niece, Lyn Meany of Rose Creek, Minnesota; first cousins, Dorothy Kittleson of St. Ansgar, Iowa, and Jeanette Kittleson of Portland, Oregon; and additional relatives and many friends. 

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Lucy Dockstader; husband, Ervin Helgeson in 1986; son, Larry Helgeson; son-in-law, John Machemer; parents-in-law, Ole and Clara Helgeson; brothers-in-law, Wayne Helgeson, Glenn “Stub” Helgeson, and James Helgeson; sister-in-law, Rose Helgeson; niece, Elaine Hannam; special brother, Willie Funfar; and special sister, Marlys Arends. 

A funeral service for Phyllis will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Six Mile Grove Lutheran Church in rural Lyle on what would have been her 100th birthday. The visitation will take place from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin and one hour prior to the service at church on Friday. Interment will be in Six Mile Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be dedicated to the Six Mile Grove Cemetery Fund or the family. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.