Obituary for REV. DR. ROGER DAVID HELGREN
Reverend Dr. Roger David Helgren, 68, of Ottawa, Illinois, and former Negaunee resident, passed away Thursday afternoon, May 5, 2022 from a brief and brave battle with pancreatic cancer while in the care of his loving family.
Roger was born July 11, 1953 in Ishpeming to Herbert and Eva (Argall) Helgren and graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1971. He continued his education at Michigan Technological University for one year before earning a Bachelor’s in history at North Park University in 1976. A lifelong learner, Roger continued at North Park earning a Master of Divinity, ultimately completing a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care and Counseling from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in 1992.
Roger’s career was devoted to serving others - both through his work as a pastor and a mental health counselor. After initially serving as a full-time pastor through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, his work grew to include interim ministry in the Illinois Valley region serving many parishes and people. His commitment to serve those in need also led him to a long tenure at Choices Outpatient Clinic, where he worked with clients of all backgrounds and formed relationships with colleagues that became like family. Roger’s career embodied his belief in the power of people to make meaningful change in their lives with dignity. His ability to sit with people in the very hardest moments of life was a testament of his own faith and trust in God.
Roger was an avid reader and history buff, enjoying thoughtful conversation around current events, politics, and even sermon ideas. He loved playing games with his family, reading to his grandchildren, and planning family vacations. Roger really enjoyed life’s daily pleasures, from his morning coffee with Carol, chats with his kids, his nightly chocolate, or endless reading on his iPad.
Surviving are his wife of 40 years, Carol Wahlstrom; children: Elizabeth Wahlstrom Helgren, Sarah Wahlstrom Helgren (Sam Nemanich), and Marshall Wahlstrom Helgren; and grandchildren, Theodore Helgren and Lucille Helgren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Ruth (Helgren) Erickson.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottawa, IL on Saturday, May 14 at 10:30am. Visitation begins at 9:30am with a luncheon at the church to follow.
Graveside services will be held at a later date at the Negaunee Cemetery, with date and time to be announced by Koskey Funeral Home.
Roger’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com
Roger was born July 11, 1953 in Ishpeming to Herbert and Eva (Argall) Helgren and graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1971. He continued his education at Michigan Technological University for one year before earning a Bachelor’s in history at North Park University in 1976. A lifelong learner, Roger continued at North Park earning a Master of Divinity, ultimately completing a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care and Counseling from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago in 1992.
Roger’s career was devoted to serving others - both through his work as a pastor and a mental health counselor. After initially serving as a full-time pastor through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, his work grew to include interim ministry in the Illinois Valley region serving many parishes and people. His commitment to serve those in need also led him to a long tenure at Choices Outpatient Clinic, where he worked with clients of all backgrounds and formed relationships with colleagues that became like family. Roger’s career embodied his belief in the power of people to make meaningful change in their lives with dignity. His ability to sit with people in the very hardest moments of life was a testament of his own faith and trust in God.
Roger was an avid reader and history buff, enjoying thoughtful conversation around current events, politics, and even sermon ideas. He loved playing games with his family, reading to his grandchildren, and planning family vacations. Roger really enjoyed life’s daily pleasures, from his morning coffee with Carol, chats with his kids, his nightly chocolate, or endless reading on his iPad.
Surviving are his wife of 40 years, Carol Wahlstrom; children: Elizabeth Wahlstrom Helgren, Sarah Wahlstrom Helgren (Sam Nemanich), and Marshall Wahlstrom Helgren; and grandchildren, Theodore Helgren and Lucille Helgren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Ruth (Helgren) Erickson.
A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottawa, IL on Saturday, May 14 at 10:30am. Visitation begins at 9:30am with a luncheon at the church to follow.
Graveside services will be held at a later date at the Negaunee Cemetery, with date and time to be announced by Koskey Funeral Home.
Roger’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com