PAUL J. HELGESON

Paul J. Helgeson, 80, of Coloma, passed away on Sept. 27, 2026, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph.

Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held on Nov. 15, 2026 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the South Haven American Legion Post 49. Memorial donations in Paul’s memory may be made to the South Haven American Legion Post 49. Those wishing to leave an online message for the family may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com

Paul was born Sept. 22, 1946, in Joliet, Illinois to Andrew and Patricia (Himes) Helgeson. He served in the Navy on an oiler during the Vietnam War era and received his diploma from Joliet Catholic High School following his service. Paul was a member of Pipefitters Local 422 and loved being involved with Boy Scouts and little league baseball as his children were growing up. He was a huge Notre Dame and Baltimore Orioles fan and enjoyed woodworking in his workshop, yard work and generally being outside working with his tools.

Paul is survived by his wife Joyce, whom he married Dec. 31, 1997; his children Eric (Cathy) Helgeson and Gwen (James) Ensworth; step-children Larry (Judy) Smith, Matthew (Amy) Smith and Jennifer (Oliver) Schmidt; and grandchildren Ian (Halie) Helgeson, Emily Helgeson, Dylan Ensworth and Kaleigh Ensworth.

In addition to his parents, Paul is preceded in death by his siblings Andrew Leigh Helgeson and Mary Linda Carlsten and his stepson Michael Scott Smith.