Mabel Helgeson

Mabel passed away after 103 years of life on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at St. Luke’s Home in Dickinson.


Mabel Helgeson, born Feb 29, 1908 to the parents of Martin and Gertrude (Dinehart) Nelson. Growing up in Emerson, ND, Mabel helped raise her brothers and sisters on the family farm. She met her life-long sweetheart, Albert N. Helgeson, at a church event and they were married Sept. 30, 1924, a marriage that lasted for nearly 73 years. Making their home in Taylor, they raised three daughters, Margery, Lorraine and Alicemae. The Helgeson home became a gathering place for friends and family. Knowing Mabel meant you had a lifelong friend, her hospitality and generosity knew very few limits. While living in Taylor, they owned and operated a cafe’, a Texaco Station, and a Massey Harris Implement and Kaiser/Frazer dealership. Along with their daughter Lorraine and her husband, Marvin Moos, Albert and Mabel started the Baker Boy Bake Shop in 1955, where Mabel took much pride in her bookkeeping duties and sales. Many of Mabel’s favorite activities revolved around family and church, but she had a passion for giving her time to others. She enjoyed crocheting, playing cards, word search puzzles, sewing and quilting. Even while at St. Luke’s, she continued to give by teaching her friends the art of crocheting.


Mabel is survived by one daughter, Margery Christensen of Billings, MT; one son-in-law, Victor Sattler of Taylor, ND; three brothers, Harold Nelson, SD, Doran (Lorraine) Nelson, NY, and Roy (Kaye) Severson of Mandan, ND; two sisters, Bette (Roy) Clarke, SD, and Minnie Hein, SD; nine grandchildren, Charlene (Dale) Zaske, Cindy Christensen, Lynda (Dexter) Eaton, Kean (Deb) Christensen, Midgie (Jeff) Bashus, Guy (Sandy) Moos, Cozette (Dean) Shoemaker, Vicki Sherer, Chad (Melanie) Sattler, and Tamara Humphries; 27 great-grandchildren and 33 great-great grandchildren.


She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Gertude Nelson; her husband, Albert N. Helgeson; two daughters, Alicemae Sattler and Lorraine Moos; two son-in-laws, Duane Christensen and Marvin Moos; four brothers, Chauncy Nelson, Howard Nelson, Norman Nelson, and Marshall Nelson; two sisters, Myrtle Nelson and Mary Young; two grandsons, Denver Christensen and Todd Moos; and two great grandchildren, Ashley Bashus and Dusty Bashus.


In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials to be given to St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Organ Fund. 146 6th Ave W. Dickinson, ND 58601


Click to View Program (PDF)


Burial Date: March 26, 2011
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Funeral Service: Saturday: Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson, ND