Faye L. Helgeson

Faye L. Helgeson, age 72 of Stoddard, died Friday, March 5, 2010 Faye La Vonne Helgeson, age 72 of Stoddard, Wisconsin, died Friday, March 5, 2010 at her home. Faye was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin on October 24, 1937 to Earl "Rocky" Pennel and Ione (Ruedy) Pennel. She grew up in De Soto, Wisconsin and attended Battle Hollow School, Stoddard Elementary School, and De Soto High School. She married Erling (Butch) Helgeson in December of 1959 and moved to Stoddard, Wisconsin where they owned Butch and Fayes Tavern for several years. She then worked at the Hoffman House in La Crosse, Wisconsin as well as performing upholstery in her home. Faye and Butch divorced in 1976 and Faye began working at American Motors in Kenosha, Wisconsin. After working at American Motors for several years, she came back to La Crosse to manage the Pettibone Boat Club for a short time. Faye then moved to Toledo, Ohio to be a line supervisor at Chrysler Motors. While living in Toledo, Faye always looked forward to cooking for her children when they visited. Soon after retiring from Chrysler in 1989, she purchased the same tavern she owned previously and operated "Fazinn" for a number of years. In addition, she helped build and operate Cedar Valley Kennels, a boarding kennel in rural Stoddard, Wisconsin. Faye had a very special bond with her sisters as they frequently planned shopping trips, lunch gatherings, and excursions where they would enjoy each others company; this was something she truly cherished. One of Fayes most favorite pastimes was tending to her flower garden that she nurtured on a daily basis. Her grandchildren were very dear to her and she looked forward to every visit they could make. Grandma could always be counted on to have the candy dish ready when the grandkids arrived at her house. She always beamed with pride when she attended her grandchildrens school activities. In recent years, she grew very close to several Amish families as she often helped transport them to where ever they needed to go. Her dear pets, three beautiful white cats, were her constant companions in her home and she had a special place in her heart for Turk, a Labrador that passed away in 2000. She is survived by her children Michael (Lori) Helgeson of Delafield, North Dakota, Sue (Jason) Helgeson-Burany of Bonduel, Wisconsin, Brent (Kathy) Helgeson of Holmen, Wisconsin, Joe (Theresa) Helgeson of Genoa, Wisconsin; 13 grandchildren: Katy Helgeson of Platteville, Wisconsin, Megan Helgeson of Chaseburg, Wisconsin, Brian (Katy) Helgeson of Bozeman, Montana, Brandon Helgeson of Holmen, Wisconsin, Taylour and Tanner Helgeson and Ellen and Bryce Barrett of Holmen, Wisconsin, Drake, Bowe, Fletcher, and Mya Helgeson of Genoa, Wisconsin; one brother, Jack (Kay) Pennel of San Antonio, Texas; three sisters, Darlene (Bud) Schultz of Viroqua, Wisconsin, Lana (Carl) Ruegg of Kenosha, Wisconsin, and Sandra (Larry) Denison of La Crosse, Wisconsin; one brother-in-law Gordon Marshall; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Darrell Pennel, sister Joan Marshall, and grandson Cole Helgeson. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 10, at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker St. (Hwy 56) in Viroqua. Pastor Bill Busch will officiate with burial in Walnut Mound Cemetery. Friends may call on Wednesday at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Homes of DeSoto and Viroqua are serving the family.