Vern L. Helsberg passed away at his Bay City home on February 19, 2009, after a long illness, at the age of 82.

Vern was born in Sheridan, Wyo., on May 29, 1926, to Ernest and Vera Helsberg. He was a graduate of Sheridan High School.

After serving in the Navy, he married Bonnie Jean Brown in 1948. They came to Oregon in 1977, living first in Portland and then moving to Bay City in 1990.

Helsberg was a retired police officer who then became a denturist, practicing in Garabaldi. He enjoyed his work, and in his spare time he liked to fish, clam and hunt. He was a past member of the Elks and a Mason.

Vern was preceded in death by wife Bonnie in 2004.

He is survived by daughter Teresa Aman of Portland; son Mark Helsberg of Sheridan, Wyo.; brother Ernest Ludington of Everett, Wash.; sister Betty Kohlwes of Seattle; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

At his request, services will be private. Those who wish may make contributions in his name to Tillamook Hospice or the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are in the care of Waud's Funeral Home.

Headlight-Herald - Feb. 25, 2009