Kenneth L. Helgestad, 96

Kenneth L. Helgestad, age 96, of New Prague, Minnesota, formerly of Edgerton, Wisconsin and Richfield, Minnesota, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, while under hospice care. He was born in Edgerton, Wisconsin on January 7, 1929, the son of the late Peter and Bergliot (Stalsberg) Helgestad.

Ken proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1948 to 1952 during the Korean War. He married Marybelle Viney on November 5, 1955, at Central Lutheran Church, Edgerton, Wisconsin.  Ken worked as an aircraft mechanic for 37 years with North Central Airlines / Republic Airlines / Northwest Airlines / Delta Airlines. He was a member of the American Legion in New Prague, Minnesota, the VFW, and the Polka Lovers Club of America. In addition to dancing, Ken enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, and repairing anything that needed fixing.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 70 years, Marybelle; 2 sons, Martin (Lori) Helgestad of Prior Lake, Minnesota, and Karl (Tara) Helgestad of Little Rock, Arkansas; 3 grandchildren: Ingrid Helgestad (fiancé Mitchell Johnson) of Springfield, Missouri, Isaac Helgestad of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Grant Helgestad, of Prior Lake, Minnesota; sister-in-law Marsha Helgestad, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and 4 siblings: Adeline Barrett, Perry, Robert and Lloyd Helgestad.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Central Lutheran Church, Edgerton, Wisconsin. Rev. Jack Way will preside and burial with full military honors will follow in Fassett Cemetery, Edgerton. Visitation will take place on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of services at Central Lutheran Church. Memorials in Ken’s name can be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in New Prague, Minnesota. The family is being assisted by the Apfel Ehlert Funeral Home, Edgerton, Wisconsin.  For online condolences visit: www.apfelfuneral.com