Obituary for Aileen Faith Helgeson age 78

Aileen Faith Helgeson passed away Monday, March 2, 2026, with her family and close friends by her side. Aileen was born on February 8, 1947, in Roseau, MN, to Edwin and Violet (Severson) Johnston. She grew up in Roseau and lived there her entire life. On December 19, 1967, she married the love of her life, Mark Helgeson, at the Old English Lutheran Church in Roseau. They made their home in Roseau. Aileen was very proud of her children and attended most of their activities. She was happiest when her children and grandchildren were in her home with her. In her later years, she preferred being at home with Mark and her beloved dogs.In her early 40s, Aileen went through breast cancer and later lost a brother to cancer. Wanting to do something to help in the fight against cancer, she began “Aileen’s Gourmet Caramels,” which became a large undertaking that she loved. She donated 90% of the profits to the American Cancer Society.Aileen’s interests were many. She loved traveling, especially to St. Maarten in the Caribbean, but most of all she loved being at their cabin on Raspberry Island in Ontario, Canada. They spent over 30 years working on it and loving every minute, especially when her children and grandchildren were there with her and Mark, and when she was making her caramel rolls for everyone.After being diagnosed with cancer in April of 2025, she had one wish: to live long enough to meet her first great-grandchild. Ben and Hannah Helgeson made that wish come true on the first day of deer season last year, when little Johnny Helgeson was born.Aileen is survived by her husband of 59 years, Mark; three children: Tonja, Peter (Tonia), and Matthew; five grandchildren: Madalyn (Adam) Mach, Morgan (Frank) Marotte, Benjamin (Hannah) Helgeson, Lauren Helgeson, and Melanie Helgeson; one great-grandson, Johnny Helgeson; one sister, Sally Smebak; in-laws: Dixie Johnston, Sharon Stai, Roger (Ruth Ann) Helgeson, and David (Judy) Helgeson; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.Aileen was preceded in death by one daughter, Heather Marie; her parents; her brother, Eddy; her sister, Gail; her in-laws, Jim and Gladys Helgeson; her brothers-in-law, Richard Johnson, Richard Stai, and Richard Smebak; and her nephews, Mitchell Johnston, Scott Johnson, Scott Stai, and Brace Stai.