Ralph A Helgeson

Ralph A. Helgeson, 85, of Naplate, Illinois, passed away Thursday, December 27, 2012, at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 31, 2012, at St. Mary's Church in Naplate with Rev. Jules Adator officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 30, 2012, at Ottawa Funeral Home with the Knights of Columbus in attendance. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park with Military Rites being accorded. Ralph was born October 20, 1927, in Somonauk, Illinois, to Elmer and Florence (Powell) Helgeson. He married Marie Simcich in 1951 at St. Mary's Church in Naplate. He retired from LOF in 1987. He was a member of St. Mary's Church, the Knights of Columbus, Ottawa Moose Lodge and Dayton Ridge Golf Club where he got a hole in one on #7. He is survived by his wife, Marie; two sons, Richard (Gloria) Helgeson of St. Louis and Jack (Lynne) Helgeson of Hawthorn Woods; six grandchildren, Troy, Amy, Scott, Nathan, Christopher and Corey; one great grandson, Logan; two brothers, Loren (Wilma) Helgeson of Plainfield, Kenny (Bev) Helgeson of Colorado; and one sister, Nancy Gilman of North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents. Pallbearers will be Corey, Troy, Nathan, Scott, and Christopher Helgeson and Steve Bopp. Memorials may be directed to the donors' choice.