Gracelyn lost her battle with cancer late Saturday afternoon, April 3, 2010, at her home, surrounded by her family at the age of 72. Memorial service was at 2:00 PM, Thurs, April 8, at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastors Kendall Stelter and Lindsay Stolen officiating; Melissa Liebl sang "The Lords Prayer"; memories of Gracelyn were given by Mary Helgeson; Sue Christopher read the scriptures Ecclesiastes 3:1-7, 11 and I Corinthians 13:1-13; and organist, Jeanne Peterson accompanied the singing of "Day by Day", "Jesus Loves Me" and "I'll Fly Away." All the grandchildren were urnbearers Visitation was at Grace Lutheran Church in Dawson on Wednesday from 5-7 PM, with a closing prayer service at 7 PM. Gracelyn Violet Helgeson was born on December 27, 1937, to Noble and Josephine (Klyberg) Bergeson in Riverside Township, rural Dawson. She was baptized in Lac Qui Parle Lutheran Church and confirmed in Riverside Lutheran Church. For eight years, Gracelyn attended country school at District 6 and graduated from Dawson High School in 1955. She was united in marriage to Ronald John Helgeson on June 2, 1956. Gracelyn worked at various jobs, but was employed for the last 39 years at Lac Qui Parle Mutual Insurance Agency in Dawson. She was very active in the community, serving on many boards and volunteering her time and talents. Giving her time to the church was very important to her. She taught Sunday School, loved her Bible studies and Circle, and had a very strong faith in God. Although serving her community and church was important to Gracelyn, her main focus and joy was her family. She was a dedicated mother and grandmother, finding time for each and every one of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed spending time with her siblings and their family members and cherished those special occasions and family get-togethers. Gracelyn also loved spending time at her lake home with family and friends, and her sweet little dog, Candy. Cooking, baking, and entertaining came easily to Gracelyn and were things she loved to do. Family and friends looked forward to those birthday cakes and Christmas cookies every year. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Helgeson of Dawson; her children: Debra (Don) Ranallo, Steven (Mary) Helgeson, Julie (Kevin) Oman, Tamara (Rick) McKesson, all of Dawson and Melissa (Terry) Liebl of Sabin, MN; 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren: Andrea (Aaron) Johnson and daughter, Emma; Gina Ranallo; Britta, Krista and Bryant Helgeson; Nicholas Oman; Daniel (Katie) Oman and son, Jaxon; Josinda Oman and son, Ashton; Alicia Oman; Larisa (Brett) Stratmoen and son, Brock; Ryc McKesson; Cody McKesson; Kaleb Liebl and Kameron Liebl; brothers: Jerry (Elaine) Bergeson and Roger (Cheryl) Bergeson of Dawson; sisters: Shirley Kittelson and special friend, Merril Johnson of Dawson, Verona (Lloyd) Mork of St. Louis Park and Ruby (Darrel) Benson of Forada, MN; and sister-in-law, Ardis Bergeson of Dawson; other family and many friends. Preceding her in death were her parents; brother, Kenneth Bergeson; brother-in-law, Curtis Kittelson; sister-in-law, Darlene Bergeson; nephew, Donny Mork; and her much loved dog, Candy. Blessed be her memory.