Wayne D Helgerson

Wayne Douglas Helgerson (Helge) 5-2-1945 – 1-19-2024 It is with a very sad heart that we announce the passing of our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, and Dear Friend, Wayne Douglas Helgerson, who passed away at home on January 19th, 2024, at the age of 81. Wayne was born in Dallas, Oregon on May 2nd, 1942, to Harold G. Helgerson and Dolly M. Tate Helgerson. He was the youngest of 3 boys all born in the month of May and his older brothers are the ones who named him. Wayne loved life and he both worked and played hard. He started working at West Coast Linens as a sheet shaker while still in high school then went to work in a couple of the saw mills. He worked construction on Green Peter Dam and on the new Pioneer Mt. on Highway 20 before going back to Cascadia saw mill. In 1969 Wayne went to work for George Pacific paper Mill where he worked for 34 ½ years working his way up the ladder to the highest position of Machine Tender on #2 paper machine, until health forced him to retire in 2001. Wayne’s favorite past time were fishing, crabbing, and playing pool and of course his beer and his vodka. He so enjoyed going to the Mad Dog Tavern on Sundays to drink beer, play pool with his buddies and tell tall tales about fishing and crabbing (among other things!). He taught wife, Linda, who to fish for salmon and to fly fish and took a lot of ribbing because she usually out fished him. He always said it was because he was such a good teacher! And he was!! He started to teach his daughter, Shelly, to fly fish but his health got in the way! Way married Sherrie (Sharon) Johnson in 1963 and had a son, Chris, and a daughter, Julie, then divorced. In 1976 he married Linda McFadden and they lovingly shared, lacking 3 months, of 48 years. Together they had one daughter, Shelly. Wayne was preceded in death by both of his parents, brothers; Harold (Hoot) and Darroll, and a young nephew. Wayne is survived by his wife, Linda of 48 years; son, Chris Helgerson and wife Erin Luckman, Kennewick, WA; daughters Shelly Helgerson and wife Cyndi Baker, Elk City, OR; Julie Wilson, Kennewick, WA; step son, Robert Kupers, AZ; nephew, Robin Hlegerson and wife Tinker, Redmond, OR; along with many, many grandkids and great grandkids, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Along with his best friends Gerry Fowler, Leroy Bates, and Bill and Anita Wheeler. Per Wayne’s request there will be no services.

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Wayne D Helgerson

May 2, 1945 - January 19, 2024