Dorothy A. Braeger-Helgeson, age 98, of West Bend, was called to her home in heaven on Tuesday, December 23, 2008.
She was born on September 10, 1910 to Ernst and Elisabeth (nee Laubenstein) Braeger in the Town of Trenton, Washington County, Wisconsin. The family moved to West Bend in 1923 where she attended West Bend High School and graduated with high honors in the class of 1929.
Dorothy entered nurses training and graduated from the Milwaukee Hospital School of Nursing on August 26, 1932. She served at Lutheran Hospital of Milwaukee faithfully the next 40+ years as a nurse, night supervisor, intravenous specialist and was a Wisconsin pioneer in respiratory therapy. She was a member of the American Association of Inhalation Therapists and also served on its board. For many years Dorothy served as treasurer of the Lutheran Medical Mission Association, Milwaukee Chapter.
Dorothy and Harlan J. Helgeson were united in marriage on May 27, 1976 in Chicago. In 1979 they moved to West Bend. Harlan passed away on May 23, 2008.
Dorothy is survived by her devoted sisters, Alice Braeger and Grace Braeger of West Bend; a sister-in-law Marion (John I.) Confer of Tucson, AZ; a nephew, two nieces, cousins, other relatives and good friends, especially Lynn Duwell of West Bend.
Preceding her in death were her parents; beloved husband Harlan; infant brother Allen, and a brother-in-law, Leland Helgeson.
A service of thanksgiving and victory is being celebrated on Saturday, December 27th at 12:00 (noon). at St. John's Lutheran Church (806 S. 6th Avenue - West Bend) with Rev. Rob Donaldson officiating. Visitation will be at the church only from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place in Washington County Memorial Park.
Gratitude is expressed to the nurses and staff at Samaritan Health Center for having cared for Dorothy so faithfully and compassionately, and to Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home for their service to the family.