Paul S. Helgeson

Paul S. Helgeson, 54, Grand Forks, ND, died Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at home.

Paul Scott Helgeson was born October 31, 1966 in Grand Forks, ND, the son of Herbert and Diane (Sayer) Helgeson. He was raised and educated in Grand Forks and graduated from Red River High School in 1985. Paul was an accomplished athlete in track and field where he was the North Dakota State Champion in pole vaulting in 1983 as well as being selected to be a National High School Track All-American Award Winner for the state of North Dakota. In addition, Paul was active in the Boy Scouts of America serving in leadership positions throughout his tenure, earning his Eagle Scout in June of 1983. Paul continued to be a part of the Boy Scouts throughout his life.

Paul met Heather Murray in 1986 and they were married on August 25, 1989 at Saint Michael’s in Grand Forks North Dakota. 

Paul earned his Associate Degree in Auto Mechanics from the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND in 1988. Paul worked for Odin Kvamme at Odin’s Belmont Service and in 1994 he purchased the station and operated it until he retired due to health issues in February of 2019.  Paul ran his business as he conducted his life with honesty and care. The station and Paul set an example of always helping your neighbor and giving to others. Paul had a natural talent for mechanics and was a great diagnostician. He especially enjoyed working on classic cars, engineering his own parts that were not available.

Paul relished being a father to our three sons.  He enjoyed family vacations and attending his sons’ sporting events. He especially loved being with his grandkids and being called “pops”.

Paul fought a long and courageous battle with cancer and a rare neurological autoimmune disease, Paraneoplastic, that left him in constant pain and limited mobility.

Paul is survived by his wife, Heather of 32 years, their children Joshua Horsley (Ophelie), Dallas, TX, Ted Helgeson (Will Gorospe), Hercules, CA, and Sam Helgeson (Jessica Lafferty), Grand Forks; grandchildren, Sophia Horsley and Wesley Helgeson; mother, Diane Helgeson, Grand Forks; sister, Lisa (Tim) Rynning, Kennedy, MN. and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Herb.

Private family services will be held later.

I lieu of flowers Paul and his family would appreciate donations to the North Dakota Association for the Disabled.