Mercedes Lolita Helgeson, 105, passed away on Sept. 13, 2015, at the Evergreen Care Center of Shawano.
Mercedes “Merc” Helgeson was born on Sept. 13, 1910, in Bowler, a daughter of the late Mrs. Minnie Carley Hennig. As a young woman, Merc enjoyed horseback riding and trout fishing. She was always busy doing some sort of craft work, from painting figurines to leather craft, making hooked and braided rugs, creating painted and beaded wall hangings, and making stuffed teddy bears, geese, ducks and swans. She loved giving her handiwork to family and friends.
On Aug. 13, 1931, Merc was united in marriage to Kolburn V. Helgeson. They enjoyed 70 years of marriage before Kolburn “Koolie” passed away in 2002. Merc, after living briefly in Bowler, lived in Phlox for 34 years, where she and Koolie raised their family. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mattoon, where she was an active member of the Ladies Aid and also sang in the choir. When her husband retired, the couple moved to Shawano, where they were members of St. James Lutheran Church.
Merc and Koolie traveled the U.S. extensively with family and friends. They spent many winters in Florida and summers at their Shawano Lake cottages and Wolf River property. Mercedes loved to entertain friends at home, especially their polka dancing friends. Merc and Koolie won several dance trophies, which they were proud of. Merc was a charter and faithful member of the Shawano AARP chapter.
Mercedes was preceded in death by her husband; her brother, Hiram Carley; her nephew, Bob Carley; and her son-in-law, Stanley Grazdiel.
Survivors include her daughters, Joanne Grazdiel, of Shawano, and Mary Lou (Robert) Heise, of Oconomowoc; her granddaughters, Linda Milos and Cathy (Jason) Peterson; three great-grandchildren, Hannah Milos, Dane Petersen and Cole Petersen; her niece, Karla Krueger; and many other relatives whom she loved dearly.
Private family services will be held at Mickelson Funeral Service of Shawano. Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, town of Almond.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared at www.mickelsonfs.com.
The family would like to thank the staff at Evergreen Care Center for the loving care they provided her.
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