Helga was born October 4, 1924, to parents Hans and Lina Dahl, on the family homestead near Ambrose, North Dakota. Helga’s parents immigrated to the United States from Norway in 1904. Helga grew up with two sisters and four brothers of which she was the second youngest. When she was eleven, her father passed away from pneumonia. Helga attended Lincoln Valley School and graduated Valedictorian of her class. After graduating she went to Nursing School in Minot, ND, and became a R.N. She then joined the Medical Nurses Corp serving in Minneapolis, MN; taking care of soldiers, during WW II. During the war Helga’s brother met a fellow soldier, Arnie Haugen. Through this friendship Helga met Arnie and after the war they were married on October 4, 1946. Helga and Arnie made their home in Sidney, MT. their entire married lives. Helga worked at the Community Memorial Hospital until 1957 and then became a stay at home mother. Arnie and Helga had four children: Larry, Johnny, Marjorie and Cheryl.
Helga was a born again Christian. She loved the Lord and her family. She was a member of Faith Alliance Church for 65 Years. She was a Sunday school teacher for many years and served in various ministries all her life. Helga had a quiet personality and was very sincere in all things. As a homemaker there wasn’t anything she couldn’t do. She was very hospitable and was always glad to see you. In 2006 Helga fell and broke her hip and had problems recovering from surgery. She then became a resident of Angel Avenue at the Extended Care facility at Sidney Health Center. Helga remained there until her death on October 8, 2015.
Helga is survived by her children, Larry (Wendy) Haugen of Sidney, MT, John (Lynn) Haugen of Sidney, MT, Marjorie (Harry) Bolwyn of Casa Grande, AZ and Cheryl (Eldon) Dehaan of Battle Ground, WA; 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
Helga was preceded in death by her husband Arnie, parents, 4 brothers and 2 sisters, and one grandson Brad Carndiff.