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Lars J. Helgeson, Ph.D. Died 2025 In dignity and devotion,
Lars J. Helgeson, Ph.D. Died 2025 In dignity and devotion, Lars J. Helgeson, beloved husband, father and teacher, passed away peacefully on Friday March 21, 2025, at the age of 86. Born in Springfield, Ill., Lars lived in Nevada, California, North Dakota and, finally, in Rio Communities since 2015. A graduate of Reno High School, Reno, Nev., Lars served honorably in the United States Navy, based in San Diego, Calif., as a medical surgical technician. Following his service, he attended San Diego State University receiving a BA in chemistry, then went on to attain two more graduate degrees and completed his academic training at UCLA with a Ph.D. in curriculum development. Lars was a lifelong learner and teaching science was what excited him throughout his long career, which he maintained until the age of 85. Beyond his professional accomplishments, for which he held many in California, including science coordinator for the County Office of Education in San Diego, Lars possessed a diverse range of interests and talents. He was a gifted public speaker, a lover of animals, a gardener, a beekeeper, a photographer and horse rancher along with his wife of 35 years, Leslie. The two spent 21 years in North Dakota, where Lars became a full professor at the University of North Dakota. Lars was preceded in death by his father, Lars E. Helgeson; his brother, Douglas Helgeson; and his mother and stepfather, Lucille and Dewey Devenport. Lars is survived by three children. Those who knew Lars will always see him smiling in their mind's eye. He had a positive effect on students, because he held a deep love in his faith for God. A memorial service is being planned in San Diego, Calif., with final internment at Forrest Lawn, Los Angeles, Calif.
