ROCKLAND- David L. Helgesen, 75 of Rockland, WI passed away on August 12, 2024. He was born on June 5,1949 to George and Bernice (Atchison) Helgesen in Sparta, WI where he was raised and graduated from Sparta High School in 1967.
In May 1969, David enlisted in the Air Force where he completed his basic training in Lackland AFB, Texas. While in the Air Force, he was stationed in Biloxi, MS; Omaha, NE and Thule, Greenland.
After his service in the Air Force, David worked at Fort McCoy in the press room and mailroom. He made many great lifelong friends in his 35-years at Fort McCoy. After retirement, he missed working with people so he took a job at West Salem Pharmacy as a delivery driver. He loved his job, and his time spent talking to the customers and getting to know them as he made deliveries to them regularly over his 11 years there.
When David wasn’t working, he enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren, visiting with friends, playing ping pong, bowling and golfing. He also loved playing board games, cards, collecting pens of all kinds, watching football and routing for the Packers. He also loved to relax in his recliner with a good book or snuggling with his dogs.
David married Carole Bicknell on August 2,1982. They just celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary. David was a wonderful gentle caring person who will be dearly missed by his wife, family, and friends.
David is survived by his wife Carole Helgesen of Rockland, WI; sister Judy (Steve) Bernett of Sparta, WI; son Jeff (Jana) Helgesen, 4 grandchildren Griffin, Sawyer, Nora and Violet of Mt Horeb, WI; stepdaughter Laura Scheppa of La Crosse, WI; sister-in-law Barbara Haas of Sparta, WI; 4 brothers-in-law Earl (Lynn) Bicknell of Hendersen, NV; Glen (Lequita) Bicknell of Texas; Paul (Trish) Bicknell of Richland Center, WI; Geoff (Jeannie) Bicknell of North Freedom, WI; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents George and Bernice Helgesen; father & mother-in law Paul and Irene Bicknell; and stepson Ross Scheppa.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Faith Evangelical Free Church, Sparta with Pastor Brian Young officiating.
Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Following the church service there will be a graveside service with military honors at Leon Cemetery followed by a reception at Leon Community Center.
In lieu of flowers, monetary memorials can be sent to Citizens First Bank, 835 W. Wisconsin St., Sparta, WI
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements
Online condolence can be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral home and Cremation
