Private Family Funeral Service:  Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in First Lutheran Church - Minot.  A Livestream for Public Viewing will be available by using www.firstlutheran.tv . This livestream will be available for several months.
Public Visitation :  Wednesday, October 14, 2020 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in First Lutheran Church.  Masks are required and social distancing measures will be in place.  Please use the (New) North Entrance (with elevator access) and Parking Lot to access the church to accommodate a more orderly flow of attendees.
The funeral service was delayed while the family followed the required Coronavirus Pandemic quarantine requirements.

Marvel Helgeson , 83, of Minot died peacefully on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in a Minot hospital of Covid-19 with her loving family by her side.

Marvel Mae Wurtz was born on September 9, 1937 in Plaza, ND to Christian and Minnie (Lee) Wurtz. Raised and educated in Plaza, Marvel graduated from Plaza High School in 1955. After continuing her education at Minot State University, she graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She was crowned Miss Minot (1960-1961) and participated in the Miss North Dakota Pageant while attending MSU. After graduation, she taught school in Great Falls, Montana and San Diego, California.

Marvel met the love of her life in college and returned to North Dakota to marry Dennis Helgeson on August 6, 1961 in Plaza, ND. They built their life in Minot where Marvel was an elementary school teacher at Minot Public Schools until they started their family. Dennis and Marvel's children - Michelle, Mark and Christian - cherished their mother and will remember the traditions and memories she created in their homes on 26th Street and Bel Air Drive. Marvel returned to substitute teaching after raising their children and taught until 1999.

Traveling to insurance conventions over the years, visiting family across the country and spending the winter months at The Villages in Florida for the past decade were some of Dennis and Marvel's best times. They celebrated milestone anniversaries with memorable family trips to California for their 40th and a Bahamas cruise for their 50th. The family was excited to surprise Marvel with an 80th birthday party. There was nothing better to Marvel than having her family together.

Marvel's servant-heart and dedication to her church, First Lutheran Church - Minot, was a constant throughout her life as a Sunday School teacher for fourteen years, serving on various committees and as a member of a church circle.  Her community involvement also included many positions in PEO Chapter AG, as a member of the Minot Country Club and volunteering for the Norsk Hostfest.

Marvel loved angels and truly was an angel on earth. She blessed others with her kindness, graciously looked on the bright side of every situation, and was always available for a phone call, coffee or a visit. Her greatest gift was making everyone she met feel so special, which is why people were so drawn to her. Marvel will be fondly remembered for making sure everyone had eaten more than enough meatballs and mashed potatoes and baking the best desserts, especially her yum-yum bars, grandma bars and pies. The family knew she would arrive with extra goodies in Tupperware for later. Marvel eagerly taught you the latest game they had learned, but especially enjoyed playing whist and bridge with family and friends. She was the master garage sale shopper - always looking for a deal. Dennis joked that he was the only thing she didn't get at a garage sale. Marvel remembered everyone's special days and every holiday with cards that arrived early. Collecting silhouettes, golfing with Dennis, putting together puzzles, reading and walking with friends were favorite pastimes.

Marvel beamed with pride when she shared the latest adventures of her children and grandchildren, which she did often. She was passionate about supporting them in their aspirations and attending their activities. As the ultimate family memory keeper, Marvel documented their lives on calendars and saved every clipping, program, card and picture for them.

Marvel's loving family includes her husband of 59 years Dennis; children:  Michelle (Darwin) Kolschefski of La Habra, CA, Mark (Beth) Helgeson of Anchorage, AK and Christian (Trisha) Helgeson of Bismarck, ND; seven grandchildren: Dr. Danielle Kolschefski of Walnut Creek, CA, Alexis Kolschefski of La Habra, CA, Taylor Helgeson of Garrison, ND, Anthony Kolschefski of La Habra, CA, Sydney Helgeson of Tuscaloosa, AL, Henry Helgeson of Valparaiso, IN, and Greta Helgeson of Anchorage, AK; sister: Darlene Wurtz of Plaza, ND and in-laws:  Ruth Wurtz of Ryder, ND,  Grace Wurtz of Plaza, ND, Jerry (Sandy) Helgeson of Windsor, CO, Robert (Linda) Marshall of Fort Wayne, IN and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Marvel was preceded in death by her parents, infant brother: Christian; brothers: Everett, George and Richard Sr. and sister-in-law: Dorothy Wurtz.

Private Family Funeral Service:  Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in First Lutheran Church - Minot.  A Livestream for Public Viewing will be available by using www.firstlutheran.tv . This livestream will be available for several months.
Public Visitation :  Wednesday, October 14, 2020 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in First Lutheran Church.  Masks are required and social distancing measures will be in place.  Please use the (New) North Entrance (with elevator access) and Parking Lot to access the church to accommodate a more orderly flow of attendees.
Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the First Lutheran Church Foundation.
The funeral service was delayed while the family followed the required Coronavirus Pandemic quarantine requirements.