Obituary of Sanford Helgestad

Sanford "Sam" Helgestad, age 93,of the Town of Whitewater, WI passed away on Sunday, October 7, 2012 at the Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Facility in Johnson Creek, WI. Sam was born in Edgerton on July 11, 1919, the son of Olaf and Severina (Simonson) Helgestad. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in Oct. of 1941 and had a 30 year military career rising to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Sam saw duty during WWII and the Vietnam War. Sam was awarded many medals during his career including the Bronze Star while he was in Vietnam. He was a graduate of the Air Force Non Commissioned Officer Academy. Sam retired from the Air Force in 1972 and moved to Whitewater where he enjoyed his second career as a mechanic and driver for Nelson Bus Company, where he worked for 40 years. What he particularly enjoyed about Nelson's was the people he worked with, he always felt the crew at Nelson's were part of his family. On November 10, 1943, Sam married Marjorie Dawe in Edgerton. Sam and Marge had 68 great years together. What Sam enjoyed most was talking with people and sharing stories, of which he had many. Sam had the ability to fix anything and everything. In Sam's spare time he was an avid golfer, bird watcher, and loved to garden. Surviving are his wife: Marjorie Helgestad, Whitewater, WI; Children: Sandra (Harry) McCauley, Brevard, NC, Marcia (Dennis) Elliott, Sun Prairie, WI and Allan (Karen) Helgestad, Janesville, WI; Grandchildren: Emilie (Jonathan) Harrer, Elizabeth (Luke) Anderson, Patrick (Richelle) Helgestad and Kristen Helgestad; Great-grandchild: Olivia Anderson and Brother: Olaf Helgestad, Janesville, WI. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Beatrice and Margaret and brothers: Oscar, Alfred, Carl and Floyd. A Visitation and celebration of Sam's life will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, October 11, 2012 at the Nitardy Funeral Home, 550 N. Newcomb Street, Whitewater, WI. Sam's family wishes to express a special thanks to Dr Sobhani and the staff of the Fort Atkinson Hospital Critical Care Unit and to the staff at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Facility for their compassionate care and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Facility in Johnson Creek, WI.