James C. Helgren

Jim was born on Nov. 19, 1934, in Hermansville, to George and Julia (Savord) Helgren. He graduated from Channing High School and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed in Okinawa during the Korean War. Following his military service, Jim worked for American Motors for 20 years before returning to Channing to purchase and operate Cuculi’s Bar.

On June 20, 1959, Jim married the love of his life, Wilma Jean Iverson. Together they shared nearly 67 wonderful years of marriage, building a life centered on family, faith, and friendship.

Jim enjoyed spending time at hunting camp and looked forward to traveling to Florida each winter with Wilma. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and cherished making memories with his family on Sawyer Lake.

Jim was preceded in death by his siblings, Robert, George, Kenneth, Joanne, Gerry, and Karen; and other beloved family members.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Wilma “Willy” Helgren; his brothers, Ralph Helgren of Cypress, Texas, and Dorias “Butch” Helgren of Bay City, Mich.; his children, Dr. Robert “Bobby” (Kathie) Helgren of Medina, Minn., James “Jim” Helgren of Channing, and Cheryl “Shari” (Hans) Tollefson of Channing; his beloved grandchildren, Alex (Rebecca “Becca”) Helgren, Marissa (Daniel “Danny”) Gold, Kathryn “Kate” (Nathan “Nate”) Glocke, Bethany (Peter) Meier, Jenna (Brandon) Aho, and Alicia Tollefson; and seven beloved great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 16, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Channing. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by the service at noon, with Father Dan Depaah officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial.

A celebration-of-life luncheon will immediately follow. The family invites friends to attend the military honors provided by the American Legion and the burial at Sagola Township Cemetery afterward.

Jim’s family will remember him for his steadfast love, dedication to family, and the many memories shared on Sawyer Lake, at hunting camp, and at Cuculi’s Bar. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Condolences to the family of Jim Helgren may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.