Helen Slauson

Slauson, Helen Marie MADISON–Helen Marie Slauson, age 90, passed away at Oakwood Village in Madison, on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015. She was born on Sept. 6, 1924, to Knute and Hilda Hestad, immigrants from Norway. Helen grew up in Merrill, Wis. She graduated from Merrill High School and attended Business College. Helen and Leon H. Slauson were married on Dec. 28, 1946, in Dubuque, Iowa. Helen became part of the large Slauson family. She and Leon celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Dec. 28, 2006. Unfortunately, Leon passed away a few days later on Jan. 6, 2007. Before she retired, Helen worked at the UW Alumni Association as an administrative assistant and at Channel 3 TV in Madison as a program assistant. Helen and Leon volunteered with the Fitchburg Senior Center, Meals on Wheels and various food pantries for many years. Raised Christian, Helen loved God, studied the Bible and attended church regularly for many years. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Leon; her parents, Knute and Hilda Hestad; and her brothers, Erling Hestad and Olaf Hestad. Helen is survived by nieces, Sally A. Hestad (Roger G. Backes) and Christine (Steve) Hartkop; and by nephews, John A. (Lei Lei) Hestad, David J. (Vicky) Hestad and Richard Hestad and their children and grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Monday, Feb. 9, 2015. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Salvation Army, 3030 Darbo Drive, Madison, WI. 53714. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420