Betty Mae (Armstrong) Helgerson

Published 8:36 am Thursday, May 22, 2025

Betty Mae (Armstrong) Helgerson (88), of Albert Lea, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025, in Pine River, Minnesota. There will be a Celebration of Life on June 8, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Green Lea Golf Course in Albert Lea.

She was a member of Ascension Lutheran Church for many years.

Betty was born on May 12, 1937, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Orville and Lyla (Olson) Armstrong. In 1955, Betty graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls. Betty met Verlyn “Dude” Helgerson in Sioux Falls and the childhood sweethearts were married in 1956. In 1957, Betty and Dude moved to Albert Lea, where they had their first child, with three more to follow. In addition to being a loving mother, Betty had a career she loved as an executive secretary and buyer at Wilson & Co. She continued in this career until retirement, after which time she further enjoyed her hobbies of golfing and fun-filled casino trips with friends. She came out of retirement in 1994 to own and operate Northbridge Liquor in Albert Lea with her partner, David, until 2004. 

Betty enjoyed playing golf, ice cream, lottery tickets, fun-filled casino trips with her many and dear friends, jewelry; and playing cards with her family. She enjoyed feeding and watching birds, growing flowers, and reading. She loved watching the horses and donkeys out back at her home. She also was very proud of each and every one of her family members and loved keeping up on all of their activities. 

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Lyla Armstrong; her husband, Verlyn “Dude” Helgerson; her granddaughter Jeni Helgerson; her daughter, Pam Dorman; and her partner, David Tilton, as well as parents-in-law Carl and Elsie Helgerson, and several brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Betty is survived by her children: Sandra (Paul) Gilbertson; Alan (Sheila) Helgerson; and David (Kathy) Helgerson. She is survived by her grandchildren: Eric Dorman; Jeremy (Darcy) Dorman; Ryan Dorman; Lisa Armstrong; Amy (Eliseo) Marquez; Jill (Kale) Gilbertson; Jacob Gilbertson; Keli (David) Enser; Ellen (Tony) Helgerson; Henry (Sandra) Helgerson; Emily (Brad) Helgerson; Cassandra (Rashad) Momoh; and Amanda (Gabe) De Los Rios. Betty is also survived by great-grandchildren: Madison; Nolan; Neil; Norah; Adriana; Myles; Benji; Quinn; Oscar; Ramsie; Edison; Sophie; Gracie; Mabel; Hazel; Oliver; Brynlee; Patrick; Theodore; Robin; Makai; Amari; Aurora; and Itzel. She also has three great-great-grandchildren: Enzo; Jasper; and Sutton. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Darlene Schwartz and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also grateful for sharing her life are many extended family members and friends.

Betty will be remembered for her kindness, her strength, her sense of humor, and her love for her family. She will also be remembered for her laughter, support, and enjoyment of life by all who knew her.