Helmer Leonard Ogren was born on July 7, 1913, at Milan to Ole and Olena (Olson) Ogren. He attended country school. One October 31, 1941, he was married to Geraldine E. Pool at Madison. Helmer farmed his entire life. He was a long time member of Bethel Evangelical Free Church in Appleton. He loved woodworking, taking pictures, and telling Scandinavian jokes. He was a dependable, caring, loving, conservative, humble, hard working man who loved to tell stories.Helmer died on Wednesday, December 16, at Woodland Good Samaritan Home in Brainerd. He had attained 96 years, 5 months, and 9 days of age.He is survived by two children: Dennis (Joy) Ogren of Brainerd and Nancy (Kirk) Wichman of Lakeville; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two sisters: Alma Nelson of Appleton and Estella Knigge of St. Louis Park; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.He is preceded in death by his parents, Ole and Olena Ogren; his wife, Geraldine, on July 8, 2000; six sisters; a brother; five half-sisters; and a half-brother.