At “almost 94” years old, August Marcelius Helgerson (Augie), of Oshkosh, WI, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Augie was born April 28,1932 in Charleston West Virginia to August Helgerson Sr. and Mildred (Hodges) Helgerson. In his youth, the family moved often before settling in Chippewa Falls. After graduation from Chippewa Falls High School in 1949, Augie continued his education spending two years at UW-Eau Claire and two years at Hamline University before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in March of 1952.

After his service during the Korean War, Augie received an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy attending for one year. On September 3, 1955, Augie married Sara (Sally) Hanson at the First Presbyterian Church in Chippewa Falls. Together they were blessed with 4 children, Mark, Andrew, David, and Elizabeth. As their children grew up, Augie worked in the insurance industry moving from Ishpeming MI, to Escanaba, to Fond du Lac and finally to Oshkosh. Augie completed a Master’s degree at UW-Oshkosh in 1965. He began working for the University in 1967. During his 30 years of service to the University, Augie accepted positions as Director of Records and Registration, Associate Director of Admissions, and Director of Admissions.

Augie enjoyed many years with his friends in the poker club and couples bridge club. His favorite place on earth was the cottage in western Wisconsin on Lower Long Lake. Augie and his father built the cottage in 1967. Time at the lake was always filled with activity. Hunting, fishing, building furniture, and a sunset cruise on the pontoon were just some of the things he loved to do. The lake was a gathering place for good times with the grandkids and family. Augie brought smiles to his grandkids faces when he would make a surprise appearance as the “swamp monster”.

At the end of the cottage season, Augie and Sally would head to Arizona in their motorhome for 3 months spending time in Lake Havasu City and Cave Creek, with a month in Mexico. They made many wonderful friendships over those 20 years of RV’ing.

Augie is survived by his three children, Mark (Shari) Helgerson of Chippewa Falls, WI; Andrew (Kathy) Helgerson of Onalaska, WI; and Elizabeth (Henry) Merrill of Oshkosh; nine grandchildren, Emily (Tyler) Gray, Sara (Matt) Meinen, Jennifer Dockham, Lindsey (David) Krueger, Austin Helgerson, Andrew (Liz) Merrill, Margaret (Danny) Rothe, Samuel (Rebecca) Merrill and Isaiah (Haley) Merrill; and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Sally, their son, David William Helgerson, parents August and Mildred Helgerson, and in-laws Roy and Lucile Hanson.

Dad, you were always there for us with a loving and helping hand. The gifts and cottage furnishings built by your hands are heirlooms that will be treasured by many generations. Thank you for being a great role model and mentor. You guided us in life and always gave your support. So proud to have you as a father and grandfather. We have many traditions to carry on. Of course, a very important one is to follow your lead and enjoy a goodie goodie while watching the sunset over beautiful Hurd Lake. We love you and will miss you.

Augie’s family would like to thank the caregivers from Aseracare Hospice and Aspire Senior Living for keeping him safe and comfortable.
The memorial service will be at Seefeld Funeral Home, 1025 Oregon Street, Oshkosh, WI on Friday, April 17, 2026, with visitation from 2pm until 3pm and a service being held at 3pm.
In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials in Augie’s name to Oshkosh Humane Society.