Kenneth Edward Helgen

KENNETH EDWARD HELGEN, 84 of Chehalis, WA, passed away, after a brief illness on August 5, 2009, he was surrounded by family. Dad was born in LeMars, IA on September 13, 1924 to Mike and Opal Helgen. The family soon moved to Sioux City. He had many good memories growing up in Iowa, some of these included working on his Aunt Rene’s and Uncle George’s farms, huge feed lots, “when cattle were fed real grain”, large corn fields, playing in the parks (baseball in the summers, ice skating in the winters, after areas in the parks were flooded), buttered popcorn, county fairs, Coney Islands, parades and picnics, many times with his large extended family. His family and many of his extended family moved west, when dad was in the eighth grade. He graduated from Lincoln High School, in Tacoma, WA, afterwards joining the U.S. Marine Corp in 1943. After boot camp he trained as a back gunner in the dive bombers, and then served on the aircraft carriers through the Philippine Islands, he was honorably discharged in 1946.

Dad worked for Pacific Northwest Bell for 38 years. He met the love of his life, Stella Adelina Parypa, when they both were employed by the phone company; they married on June 10, 1948. They were blessed with four children. His family was dearest to his heart; the family had many adventures at the beach, mountains and other travels. The beach remained the favorite place for mom and dad, sometimes joined by their whole family, until his death.

Dad is survived by his wife Stasha (as he would affectionately call her), Chehalis, daughter Julie Anderson, Olympia, son Jim, Seattle, daughter Jan Soloy and her husband Chris, Wasilla, AK. Grandchildren: Jennifer Anderson Wiggins and her husband Henry, Tacoma, Brandi Anderson Neibauer and her husband Rob, Olympia, Matthew Soloy and Samuel Kenneth Soloy (Sam) both from Wasilla, AK and Mariah Soloy Belt and her husband Travis, Los Osos, CA. Great grandchildren: Julie Nicole, Jack, Jake and Jared, (Jared is from Arizona) Neibauer; Henry (Hank), Dylan, Stella Marie and Ronald (Ronnie) Wiggins and Gavin and Chaz Belt; Dad’s brother Bob and his wife Ardetta, Rockledge, FL and his sister, Connie Rualis, Centralia.

Dad was preceded in death by his parents; and his son Kenneth Charles Helgen (K.C.); and many aunts, uncles and cousins. When K.C. died in 1983, mom and dad purchased adjoining plots to K.C.’s in Claquato Cemetery. Dad’s remains now rest next to his son’s.

A graveside committal service in honor of the man that is loved dearly and now missed so much was planned by our family. At dad’s request, it was attended by immediate family. Some special aspects of the planning and service included, Julie Nicole, Jack, Jake, Henry, Dylan, Stella Marie and Ronnie attending their great grandfather’s service. There were dozens upon dozens of flowers, and potted rose bushes of every color, from the gardens of Jennifer and Brandi, surrounding their Grandfather’s casket. Julie read a poem she had written, also sharing family memories and thoughts about her Dad, Jim led the bearers of his Dad’s casket to the grave site, Jan and Jim assisted their Mother during the meeting for service arrangements, with the mortuary. For her Dad’s service, Jan coordinated plans with the church and musicians for the gathering. Jim had given a flag pole, the United States Flag and Marine Corp Flag, as a Father’s Day gift several years before. For their Grandfather’s service Sam lowered the flags, folding them carefully, then Matthew and Sam built new flag poles, so these flags could be raised at their Grandfather’s service. Matthew and Sam also carried the casket to the grave site along with Chris Soloy and Ron Anderson. Music included Oh Shenandoah and The Old Rugged Cross (two of dad’s favorites), performed by soloist Scott O’Hara; Taps was played, during the lowering, by bugler Nate Judd. The family joined in, to sprinkle the lowered casket with sand and seashells, flowers and soil. A family meal was enjoyed at mom and dad’s favorite restaurant, Mary McCranks. Officiating pastor was the Rev. Randall Faro, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Chehalis, WA, special thanks going to Pastor Randy, St. John’s and their members. Arrangements for the service were under the direction of Brown Mortuary Service, Chehalis, WA, with special thanks to Andrew Bronson, who worked with our family to make the service so special.

Children and grandchildren wish to thank friends, family and neighbors who have sent support to their Mother and Grandmother during this time of loss, via love sent with help for home chores, shopping, driving, visits, cards, flowers and many phone calls of sympathy and support. He will be missed by all. Dad [including the family] received the highest quality of health care and empathy at Providence Centralia Hospital.

Kenny (as mom affectionately called him), husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, grand-father-in-law, great grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and former soldier, was a unique person, a child of God, given many gifts, which he shared freely while on this earth. All Glory to God for the blessings that have surrounded Dad and our family and for that person we now mourn but also remember with good memories; understanding, each in our own way, that we will see him again someday.

The night our Dad died, the woman he loved so much, our Mother, told him that she would find him, and we believe she will! We all can see that in our mind’s eye, and so does she, it will be the spring of 1948!

Please sign the guest book at

www.legacy.com/chronline