Findell O’Donald Helgeson, 90, of Austin died at St. Mark’s Lutheran Home in Austin Thursday morning, Sept. 16, 2010.

He was born June 28, 1920 to Carl and Ona (Fingerson) Helgeson in Preston, Minnesota. After graduation from St. Charles High School, Findell attended Winona Business College. He was hired by the US Immigration and Naturalization Service on April 3, 1943 to work on the Canadian Border, Baudette, Minnesota and many other points of entry. He married Phyllis Tront on July 15, 1945 in Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada. They also lived in Portal and Dunseith, North Dakota; Baudette, International Falls and St. Paul, Minnesota. Findell retired on June 28, 1982, and in 1991 they moved to Austin. He was active in Eastern Star serving as Worthy Patron for many years and Moose Degree Team. A member of First Congregational, United Church of Christ, he enjoyed gardening, reading, watching television and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Phyllis of Austin; two sons: Dean (Lynn) Helgeson of Bemidji; Carlan (Jill) Helgeson of Spring Hill, Florida; one daughter, Signe (Steven) Rizzi of Austin; eight grandchildren: Signe (Ray) Damdar, Caleb, Rachel and Brittina Helgeson; Kyle (Cari), Katelyn, Steven Rizzi and Kim (Jon) Stolski; five great grandchildren: Annika Damdar, Lila Rizzi and Will, Lauren and Joe Stolski. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ona and Carl Helgeson; one brother, Fourist Helgeson; daughter-in-law, Mary Helgeson and grandsons, Alec, Matthew and Marcus Helgeson.

Memorial Services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010 at First Congregational, UCC with Reverend Elizabeth Endicott and Reverend Carlan Helgeson officiating. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the service. Interment is at Oakwood Cemetery in Austin. Worlein Funeral Home in Austin is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.