July 28, 1935 - February 6, 2026
Ruth Ione Helgeson of Richfield, MN, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 6, 2026 at the age of 90.
Ruth was born on July 28, 1935 on the family farm in Chippewa Falls Township, MN to Oscar and Minnie Ostgulen. She married Kenneth Helgeson in 1954, had and raised 3 children in Richfield, Minnesota.
Ruth loved taking care of her family. Baking Christmas cookies and Lefse at the holidays. Playing cards, especially 31 and Hand and Foot. She liked taking bus trips with her sisters all over America. She was a wonderful hands on Grandma to her grandchildren and now to her great-grandchildren.
She will forever be loved and missed by her family.
She is survived by her children, Debbie Helgeson, Susan (Tim) Neibling and David (Carrie) Helgeson; grandchildren, Sarah (Craig) Lee, Zachary (Sara) Helgeson and Danielle (Eric) Dandurand; and great-grandchildren, Bodee, Beckham, Benjamin, Jaxton and Emily.
Preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Helgeson; parents, Minnie & Oscar Ostgulen; and siblings, Violet (Arnold) Jennum, Marion (Howard) Hagen, Jerome (Ardella) Ostgulen and Naomi (Bud) Melzer.
Memorials preferred to Open Arms - Minnesota.
Memorial Service
Friday, February 27, 2026
11:00 AM
Visitation 1 hour prior
House of Prayer Lutheran Church
7625 Chicago Avenue
Richfield, Minnesota 55423
Luncheon to follow the service
We will miss Ruthie! She was such a vibrant, full of life lady that we all adored. So glad we had these last several years of being her friend. Love, The Olsons (“Nicole and the kids”)
Ruth was a wonderful aunt, and I enjoyed every visit with her over many decades. I will miss her very much!
We were neighbors for many years, with the Helgeson family in Richfield. We were 4 couples and we had Card Club one a month, New Years Eve parties, you name it we had it. They were so much FUN. Curt and I had two children, our children knew Debbie, Susie and David very well. A wonderful Christian family loved by many. In fact our son Craig was the same age as Susie, they knew each other well. Lori our daughter went to school with Debbie, but Debbie was a year older. Ruth, her sister Naomi, my friend Joanne and myself went on many bus trips together. The four of us did many things together. We had the time of our lives. Ruth will be missed so very much by all of us, including me.