Tracy Lee Helgeson

Tracy Lee Helgeson passed away Wednesday, November 24, 2021, after a brief illness.She was born on July 26, 1953, in Great Falls, Montana to Robert W. and Charlotte M. Tietjen. She attended Great Falls High School, graduating in 1971 and she went on to graduate from the College of Great Falls with an English degree. She married William “Bill” W. Helgeson on August 15, 1971, and they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. In her younger years, she was active in many outdoor adventures, fishing, cross country skiing, and backpacking with Bill. They loved to explore the outdoors together creating memories. Summers were spent together at the cabin with the family. Tracy and Bill always strove to provide a meaningful life for the family.They especially loved making memories together on family vacations.Later, they were involved in traveling with sporting dog trials. She and Bill had two daughters, Heather and Haley. Tracy was very active and involved with the girls growing up, always taking them to lessons, sports practice, games, and volunteering in their schools. Every night she would tell them stories and sing to them before bed. She lived her life to be the best mother, always putting her daughters' needs before her own. Tracy was a very loving, kind, and thoughtful woman. She always saw the beauty in the little things. A great lover of all animals, she especially adored her dogs and cats. Tracy was beautiful and brilliant, remaining undefeated at Family Trivial Pursuit games. She was gifted and generous, creative and was a very talented artist. She had a kind soul; she was very sensitive to others' feelings and had a pure heart. Tracy loved to cook and loved a good meal. She was feisty and funny and loved to laugh. She loved being a grandma, showing off pictures to anyone who would look. She loved Jesus and we know she's up there rejoicing with Him. She was truly one of a kind and will be dearly missed and loved forever. Tracy worked as a waitress at the Black Angus restaurant for over 25 years. She loved her co-workers and customers, making friends with many of them. She took much pride in her work. Tracy is survived by her husband, Bill; daughters, Heather (Baskar) Duval and Haley (Nicholas) Butler; grandchildren, Brenden and Hattie; mother-in-law, Ruth Helgeson; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Angie Helgeson; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Charlotte Tietjen; father-in-law, William L. Helgeson; and sister-in-law, Karen (Helgeson) Matoon.