Kenneth Melvin Helgeson, age 87, passed away Thursday, February 16, 2017 at Birchview Memory Care, Sedro-Woolley.

Kenneth was born September 17, 1929, in the same house his mother was born, the family home of John Robert Blowers, in Landsford, North Dakota, to Melvin Benheart and Lila May (Blowers) Helgeson.  He was raised on the farm in North Dakota and worked on the Railroad.  In 1951, he joined the US Navy and served on the USS Yorktown.  He married Carol Biggerstaff on October 8, 1953 in Bellingham.  Completing his Military duty in 1955, he went to work at Northern State Hospital as a Baker and Meat Cutter until they closed.  He then continued Meat Cutting with Galbraith Meat Packing.  After retiring, he worked part time for Burlington Edison School District for another ten years.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Carol (Biggerstaff) Helgeson, of Sedro-Woolley; Sons, Kevin Helgeson, of Sedro-Woolley and Roger Helgeson, of Burlington; daughter, Sandra Ruddell, of Burlington; sister, Eileen Schuppan; sister in law, Gladys Helgeson; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; cousins, nieces and nephews; and his horse, the old grey mare, Annie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Leona Medler and infant Gladys Helgeson; brother, Donald Helgeson; daughter, Shirley Husscasson.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00, Friday, February 24, 2017, at Forest Park Cemetery, Concrete, Washington, with Elder Jim Cook presiding.  Military Honors will be rendered.