Phyllis Helgerson

The funeral for Phyllis J. Helgerson, of Cyrus, Minnesota will be held on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Cyrus, with Reverend Chris Richards officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be at the Cyrus South Cemetery, Cyrus.

Phyllis Jean Ness was born on January 1, 1931 in the Starbuck Hospital to Anton and Mabel (Johnson) Ness. She was baptized and confirmed in Cyrus Lutheran Church and graduated from Cyrus High School in 1948. She worked at Gilbertson’s Grocery store for a year before marrying Ernest “Boostie” Helgerson in 1949.  They had 4 children, Judy, Susan, Paul and Jon. Phyllis was an assistant postal clerk for 20 years.

Phyllis was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cyrus, where she was in church music throughout most of her life, as organist, choir director, Vacation Bible School Music, Release Time leader and Choir member. She kept a scrapbook of newspaper clippings of local happenings for 55 years, and often said, “I don’t know when that happened, but I can look it up.” Phyllis was the family genealogist and made family history books for most of her family. She enjoyed reading, quilting, playing the piano and solving puzzles.

Phyllis remained steadfast in her faith for 88 years and enjoyed living independently until the last few weeks of her life.  She died after a short illness on February 23rd, 2019.  She will be greatly missed by all who love her.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years Ernest, her daughter Judy in 1959 and her parents.  She will be deeply missed by children: Susan (Richard) Dragovich of Shoreview, Paul Helgerson of St. Michael, Jon (Dana Halvorson) of Minnetonka, her grandchildren: Peter (Dayna Hudson) Dragovich of Minneapolis, AJ Dragovich of Oakdale, Peyton Helgerson of Golden Valley, Keisa (Josie) Karr of Golden Valley, Emma and Veda Hudson of Minneapolis, Brother-in-law: Lawrence Alfson of Litchfield and Sister-in-law: Edna Bratton of Morris, and many nieces and nephews.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the funeral arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.pedersenfh.com.