Lester Helgeson, age 88, of Bejou, MN, died Monday, December 13, 2010 at his home.

Lester Manley Helgeson, the son of Albert and Ella (Brekhus) Helgeson, was born on December 4, 1922 in rural Bejou. He grew up on the family farm and attended country school. As a young man, Lester trapped fur-bearing animals and in the mid-1940's he began working at Cliff's Garage in Rindal, MN. In 1950, Lester started driving gravel truck for Henry Hendricks out of Winger, MN. A short time later, he purchased his own truck and hauled for Ness Construction in Mahnomen, MN for several years. Lester then branched out on his own, hauling gravel locally for nearly forty years. He also worked as a mechanic from his home, fixing tractors and machinery. Following his retirement in the early 1990's, Lester continued to do mechanical repair until just a few years ago.

Lester enjoyed both fishing and deer hunting, and in his younger years, he also did a lot of bird hunting. He took great pride in his yard and put many miles on his lawn mower. Lester loved to tinker and could fix almost anything. He also enjoyed putting puzzles together and playing solitaire. After living through the depression Lester learned to live very conservatively. He truly appreciated the value of a dollar and the meaning of family.

Lester is survived by two sisters, Effie Smith of Mora, MN and Evelyn (Herbert) Kleim of Houston, TX; three brothers: Walter (Mabel) Helgeson of Bejou, Art Helgeson of Erskine, MN, and Omar (Janice) Helgeson of Fertile, MN; several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Victor, Millard and Sander Helgeson.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 17, 2010 at 2:00 pm at Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN, with Pastor Kelly Ahola officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Wesley Helgeson, Gary Helgeson, Gregory Helgeson, Zachary Helgeson, Bryan Helgeson, and Ryan Olson. Jenny Hanson will serve as organist.

Interment will be at Norman Cemetery in Rindal, MN.