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Biography
 
Alfred Steve Helgesen, 67, of Pierre died Friday, May 29, 2009 at St. Mary’s Healthcare in Pierre. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at Faith Lutheran Church in Pierre. Al was born to Alfred Helgesen and Elizabeth (Pfliger) Helgesen on March 20, 1942. He was Born in Garrison, ND and graduated from Garrison High School in 1960. Al then moved to Pierre, SD to work for Graver Western Nap on the building of the Oahe Dam. He was the youngest crane operator on the project which required special permission from the US Government for him to run the crane. He worked for Terrace Park Dairy and later the Associates Finance Company. In 1962 he married Shirley Ann Pruess of Pierre where they made their home. In 1963 their first daughter, Annette, was born and in 1965 their daughter Tammy was born. For approximately 20 years, Al worked for Harding Motor Company as a Sales Manager. While working for Harding’s he received numerous awards for outstanding salesmanship. He was also a member of the Pierre Chamber of Commerce and received the Distinguished Service Award. He worked for Klein’s Office equipment for a short period of time before becoming an independent Xerox Agent. Al loved to spend time with family and friends camping, boating, snow-skiing, hunting, and participating in Pierre’s “Over 40” Basketball League. He was also involved in Boy Scouts throughout his youth, became an Eagle Scout and served as a local Boy Scout leader for several years. In 2006 he retired allowing him to do more of the things he loved such as spending time with family and friends, following grandchildren’s sporting events and leisure time at the cabin in the Black Hills. This also gave him time to putter, manicuring his yard. Al is survived by his wife Shirley, daughters Annette of Woodbury, MN(Husband Todd Sherrill and sons AJ and Ryan) and Tammy of Pierre (Husband Brad Cruse and sons Raury and Cole), half-sister Beverly Meyers of Devils Lake, ND, sister Shirley (Lynn) Erickson of Great Falls, MT, brother Kelly (Sue) Helgesen of Garrison, ND , sister Linda (Marty) Little of Ulm, MT, brother-in-law Don (LeAnne) Pruess of Rapid City, sister-in-law Alice Englund of Pierre, sister-in-law Betty (Dale) Misterek of Sioux Falls, several nieces and nephews and very special friends. He was preceded in death by his father Alfred Helgesen, his mother Elizabeth Helgesen, half-brother Bernard Pfliger, Jr., sister Jerry Zuern and half-brother-in-law Jim Meyers. In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorials to be directed to First National Bank where a memorial fund has been established in his name. Feigum Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. You may leave condolences for the family at www.feigumfh.com
FactsBorn: March 20, 1942 |