Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1933
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
UPCOMING SERVICE
Gladys Helgeson Obituary
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 loved to watch the Seahawks, Mariners and Gonzaga games with her son David, often recording the games until they could watch together.
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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Gladys Helgeson
Memories and Condolences
for Gladys Helgeson
Sponsored by Kern Funeral Home.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Gladys Helgeson's name
How to support Gladys's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gladys Helgeson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
