Cecelia K. Helgeson, 96, of Austin, Minn., died Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2014, at Our House Memory Care in Austin. Cecelia Katherine Fitzsimmons was born April 20, 1917, in Phoenix, Ariz., to Clark and Theresa (Hammerstein) Fitzsimmons. She grew up near Medford, Minn., and attended school in Owatonna, Minn., and Blooming Prairie, Minn. In 1936, Cecelia and Amos Helgeson were united in

marriage in St. Ansgar, Iowa. Cecelia spent her married years raising their children. Amos passed away in 1976. An avid reader and seamstress, Cecilia also enjoyed gardening, painting, and traveling, especially to Texas during the winter. She was a member of Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church.

Survivors include two daughters, Bonnie Lee, of Austin; Debra Sue (Chronis Voidanidis) Helgeson,, currently living in Greece; her son, Wallace (Suzanne) Helgeson, of Austin; five grandchildren, Jane, Sara, Anne, Mary, and Brandon; 13 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends in the Austin area. Cecelia was preceded in death by her parents, Clark and Theresa Fitzsimmons, her husband, Amos Helgeson, her son, Alan ‘Butch’ Helgeson, two sisters, Ky McDonald and Rita O’Donnell.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church in rural Austin, with Pastor Lindsay Stolen officiating. The Helgeson family will greet visitors one hour prior to the service at the church. The family prefers that memorials be directed to recipient of donor’s choice. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.