Theresa Ann Helgeson, 71, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on October 13, 1954, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Theresa was the beloved daughter of the late Orley J. Laufenberg and Madeline (Belt) Laufenberg. From an early age, Theresa carried a caring spirit that would define her life's work and the way she loved those around her.
Theresa dedicated her career to nursing, a profession that perfectly reflected her generous heart and sharp mind. She worked in emergency medicine, geriatrics, pediatrics, and everything in between. She had a gift for caring for others—always determined to figure out what was wrong and how she could help fix it. She was direct, honest, and strong; you never had to wonder what Theresa was thinking. Her patients, colleagues, and loved ones all knew they were in capable, compassionate hands.
On February 14, 1981, she married the love of her life, Dennis Helgeson—ensuring, as she would joke, that he would never forget their anniversary. Their love story spanned 50 beautiful years total. Forty-three years ago, Dennis took a city girl and brought her to the country, where Theresa discovered her true peace. When Dennis bought her a small horse ranch, it became her sanctuary. There, surrounded by open skies and the steady rhythm of hooves, she found her center. She loved riding her Buckskin and her Paint, feeling the world settle into place with each ride, and always being entertained by her "silly" draft horse. Even in the past decade, when physical challenges made life more difficult, her family lovingly helped her into the saddle—where she would once again feel like herself and could do anything.
Above all, Theresa treasured her role as "Oma." She was devoted to her children and grandchildren, attending every event and cheering them on with pride. She baked beautiful birthday cakes and special occasion cakes, pouring her creativity and love into each one. Just this past year, she carefully baked and decorated a stunning cake for her and Dennis's 45th wedding anniversary—determined, as always, to make it perfect.
Theresa also found joy in tending her flower gardens, filling her yard with color and beauty. Through her gardening, arts and crafts, baking, nursing, and riding, she created beauty and comfort wherever she went.
She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband, Dennis; her children, Denelle Helgeson and Cody (Sara) Helgeson; her cherished grandchildren, Dakota and Lillymae; her siblings, James (Holly) Laufenberg and Barb (Kevin) Laufenberg; and many extended family members and friends who will miss her deeply.
In addition to her parents, Theresa was preceded in death by her 17-month-old son, Derek, and a baby lost to miscarriage—both held forever in her heart.
Theresa's legacy is one of strength, devotion, and unwavering love. She cared fiercely, spoke honestly, loved deeply, and lived fully. Her family finds comfort knowing she is at peace, perhaps riding freely once again.
