Russell John Helgren, 89, of Norwalk died March 19, 2013, at his home.
He was born to Rudolph and Valerie (Galipeau) Helgren on Nov. 28, 1923, in Iron River, Mich. He was united in marriage on May 17, 1947, to Doris Hagen in Milwaukee. They moved to a farm in the La Farge area in 1950. Russ and Doris purchased a farm on Feb. 8, 1959, in the town of Ridgeville, where they farmed together until the present time.
Russ was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran and served aboard the USS Talladega, participating in the battles at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Among the troops transported by the Talladega for the invasion at Iwo Jima were four of the Marines who helped raise the flag on Mount Suribachi.
He was an avid fisherman, both open water and ice. He enjoyed hunting, gardening, reading, and drinking a five o’clock beer, and he especially enjoyed his morning coffee with friends in Norwalk. He was a member of the Norwalk Lions Club and the Norwalk American Legion Post 438.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Doris of Norwalk; a daughter, Linda (Thomas) Sheridan of Dixon, Mont.; five sons, Robert of Madison, Michael (Ellen) of Beaver Dam, Wis., Richard and William of Norwalk, and Don of Wilton; nine grandchildren, Jason, Quentin, David, Levi, Sophie, Holly, Heidi, Trinity and Ryan; three great-grandchildren, Austin, Isabella, and Nevaeh; a brother, Ronald of Florence, Wis.; and many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son; two infant brothers; a brother, Frederick; a sister-in-law, Ruth; and a granddaughter, Hannah.
A memorial service will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 20, the Smith-Nelson Funeral Home, 702 Center St., Wilton. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the funeral home from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service. Memorials in memory of Russell may be given to Disabled American Veterans. Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
