Obituary: Ruth E. (Rasmussen) Helleckson - Class of 1943

MADISON - Ruth E. Helleckson, age 83, passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, after a short battle with larynx cancer, at Sebring Assisted Living. She was born on Nov. 14, 1925, in Madison, the daughter of Henry and Fern (Ostrander) Rasmussen. Ruth graduated from Madison Central High School in 1943 and was a member of their a cappella choir. She married Dwain Helleckson on June 25, 1944. Ruth and Dwain co-owned Helleckson's Liquor and Helleckson's Service Station for many years. She was a member of St. Marks Lutheran Church for more than 50 years. Ruth is survived by three children, Linda (Thomas) Junck, Cindy (Robert) Schumacher and Rick (Deborah) Helleckson; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a brother, Gordon Rasmussen; sister, Eileen (Phil) Falkenborg; sisters-in-law, Ruby Hubbard and Katie Helleckson; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dwain; her parents; and a granddaughter, Cami Lynn Junck. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2009, with the Rev. Mary Pharmer presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare Inc. or St. Marks Lutheran Church. A special thanks to the staff at Sebring Assisted Living and HospiceCare for all of their care and support of Ruth. Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 19, 2009