Warren Helgerson

Warren Allan Helgerson 1930 ~ 2015 Warren Allan Helgerson, a retired apple orchardist and Navy Commander, passed away on February 9, 2015. He was born in Seattle, WA in 1930, to Selmer and Alice Helgerson, graduated from Queen Anne High, then attended the University of Washington on an NROTC scholarship. At the UW, he was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity, the Big W Letterman's Club, the Oval Club, The Varsity Boat Club and the Husky Crew Team, where he won two national championships. In his youth, Warren was inspired to row through his friendship with 1936 Olympic rowing gold medalist, Jim McMillin, one of the "Boys in the Boat". Following college, he served as a naval officer in the Korean Conflict and participated in the Inchon Invasion. Later as a civilian, he was a real estate consultant, assisting with the designs of Northgate Mall and Lloyd Center. Finding civilian life boring, he rejoined the Navy just two years later to fight in the Cold War from a submarine. His final duty as a submariner was as Executive Officer of USS Diodon. He served a tour in Vietnam on Phu Quoc Island as an Advisor to the ARVN and was awarded the Bronze Star for sustained courage under fire. Warren also earned a citation for bravery from the Republic of Vietnam for quick action in saving a village from burning by commandeering a bulldozer to create a firebreak. His final sea billet was Executive Office of the USS Uvalde. He later served as Naval Attache; at the US Embassy in Oslo, Norway, where he once enjoyed cross country skiing with the King of Norway. Following his Naval career, Warren settled his family in East Wenatchee, purchasing a 32 acre apple orchard. He took great pride in consistently producing top quality apples for Cascadian Fruit Company. Warren married Margaret Hekman of Ripon, CA in 1964. She and their two sons, Erik and Kurt, accompanied him whenever possible during his Navy career. After her passing in 1994, he married Suzanne Gaukroger and welcomed her sons, Ryan and Gavin, into his family. Always a sports enthusiast, Warren enjoyed supporting his sons' sports, including their time as Husky rowers. For many years, he waterskied on the Columbia River, snow skied at Mission Ridge, and golfed as a member of the Wenatchee Golf and Country Club. In addition, he volunteered for the American Red Cross disaster relief, Mobile Meals, and was active in Grace Lutheran Church. Gardening, travelling and watching Husky sports were major interests throughout his life. Warren is survived by his sister, Jean Scheideman of Seattle; his wife, Suzanne; sons, Erik (Kris) of Mill Creek, WA and Kurt (Trulie) of Spokane, WA; step-sons, Ryan Gaukroger (Mara) of Sammamish, WA and Gavin Gaukroger (Elizabeth) of Boca Raton, FL; and ten beloved grandchildren. Warren was a proud, generous, loyal and caring man, who will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Remembrances may be made to the Wenatchee Chapter of the American Red Cross or to UW Crew via the UW Tyee Club website at www.uwtyeeclub.com. A Memorial for Warren will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2015, at Grace Lutheran Church in Wenatchee, WA.

Warren Helgerson

August 23, 1930 - February 9, 2015