Michael P. Helgesen

Michael P. Helgesen, age 79, of Black River Falls, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on January 28,
2024, at Black River Memorial Hospital with his family by his side.  Michael Paul Helgesen was born
May 15, 1944, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Paul and Hermoine (Kolstad) Helgesen.
At age 17, Michael enlisted in the United States Navy serving as a corpsman from 1961 to 1965.  He was
honorably discharged in 1965. He also served as a medic with the Minnesota National Guard from 1986
to 1990.  Michael attended the Universities of Kentucky, Illinois, and Wisconsin where he studied
American literature, chemistry, and education.  
He became a home school coordinator offering counseling services in Dunn, Chippewa, and Eau Claire
Counties in Wisconsin, eventually becoming the program director.  From 1978 to 1980 Michael and his
wife, Ernestine, operated a group home for adolescents near Black River Falls, Wisconsin.  In the early
1980’s, Michael worked at the Wazee Half-Way house in Black River Falls, Wisconsin.  Michael taught
history, literature, and mathematics at the Black River Falls High School.  Michael also taught elementary
school in Auberndale. 
Michael joined the Paige Donnelly law firm after graduating from William Mitchell College of Law in
1987.  Michael became an active member of the Minnesota Association for Justice, acting on the Board of
Governors, and lecturing on legal issues.  Michael was admitted to practice in the states of Minnesota and
Wisconsin and in Minnesota and Wisconsin Federal District Courts. Michael was chosen as a Super
Lawyer by Minnesota Law & Politics and Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazines. The Paige Donnelley Ltd
team, where he practiced until his retirement in 2020, truly became family to him.
Michael loved family immensely and worked hard to make the world a better place for all families.  In
addition to raising his family and operating a group home, Michael raised many more children, including
through adoption and foster care, all of whom call him Jaaji (dad). 
Michael married Ernestine Mike on January 28, 1972, in Austin, Minnesota.  His father, Paul, a Justice of
the Peace, served as officiant and his mother as witness.
Michael is remembered by Ernestine; sons Kunu Helgesen and Branden Helgesen; daughters Hinu (Rick)
Smith, Wehuh Helgesen, Karen (Theodore) Soret and Laura (Laurence) Spencer; brother John (Marylin)
Helgesen; grandchildren Winter, Othyaun, Desmond and RickiLee Smith, Kora and Leo Cloud; cherished
100-year-old aunt Mona Mae; 6 great-grandchildren; special cousins, nieces and nephews; and Stephanie,
Veronica and Cheyenne Yellowbank
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Draayer, an infant brother, Patrick, and other
special relatives.