Gladys Lorraine Helgeson

Gladys Lorraine Helgeson, age 91, passed away Saturday, September 13, 2025 at HomePlace in Burlington, WA. Gladys was born October 1, 1933 in Circle, MT, daughter of the late Charles and Bodil (Pedersen) Nagel. She attended high school in Circle, MT, graduating in 1951. Gladys met and married Donald Helgeson on January 10,1958. They were married 53 years until Donald's passing in 2011.

In 1968 they moved to Mount Vernon, WA, eventually purchasing a small farm in the Avon area. They both referred to it as their "little piece of heaven!" There they raised a few calves and always had a big garden. The farm became a gathering place for all the family's celebrations. Gladys worked as a bookkeeper for Carnation Milk Company, then later for Mount Vernon Meat Company until her retirement in 1986. Her greatest joy was being on the farm gardening, canning all the vegetables and making salsa. She was known for her amazing cooking and baking.

Gladys was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Bodil (Pedersen) Nagel, husband Donald Helgeson, infant son Robert, sisters Louise Johnston, Leona "Mae" Garten, and Barbara Young.

Gladys is survived by her children, David Helgeson (Dawn Collins), Cheryl (Dan) Thompson, and Connie (Rich) Martin; grandchildren, Tiani (Jeremy) Morrow, Nicole (Matthew) Brooks, Alex (Berenice) Thompson, Tyler (Crystal) Helgeson, Nicholas Thompson, Andrew (Michelle) Thompson and Tessa Lewis; great-grandchildren, Sydney and Emma Valerie Epps, Jackson and Luka Morrow, Leif Helgeson, Elsie and Lila Thompson, Rhiannon Helgeson, Layla and Lorelei Lewis; brother, Ernie Nagel; sister, Laurie VanDewerker; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, October 13, 2025 from 2 to 5 PM at Kern Funeral Home. A private family graveside service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to any Alzheimer's/Dementia charity