Sylvia P. Helgeseth, 75, of Leeds formerly of Churchs Ferry, ND, died Monday, August 12, 2013 at Trinity Medical Center in Minot.  Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM  Friday, August 16th, 2013 at Leeds Lutheran Church with Pastor Richard Budd officiating.  Burial will be in the Leeds Lutheran Cemetery.  Casket bearers will be Steve Biby, Darryl Biby, Joshua Rognlie, Jeremy Rognlie,  Randy Gilbertson and Donald Sinness.  Music will be from Dan and MiChelle Nybo.  Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 8pm with an 8:00 PM Prayer service at the Nelson Funeral Home in Leeds.

Sylvia Phyllis Sinness was born on Sept. 18, 1937, on a farm near York, ND, to Oscar and Viola (Peterson) Sinness. She was reared on the family farm near Maza, ND, and received her education at Churchs Ferry, ND, graduating in 1955. Sylvia was married to Charles Rognlie of Churchs Ferry in 1955. They made their home and farmed for many years south of Churchs Ferry. He died in 1986. She married Arden Helgeseth on June 8, 1987. They continued to farm until the waters of Devils Lake forced them to move their home to Leeds, ND, in March of 2011, where she resided until her death.

Sylvia was confirmed at the Cando Lutheran Church and was a longtime active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Churchs Ferry until its closure.  She served many years as church treasurer and held many offices in the Zion Lutheran WELCA.    She became a member of Leeds Lutheran Church after moving to Leeds.  Sylvia was the current treasurer of the Churchs Ferry Cemetery and a member of a local birthday club.  She enjoyed counted cross-stitching, traveling, raising large vegetable and flower gardens, and crossword and jigsaw puzzles.  She had a calm, gentle spirit, a keen sense of humor, and was a beloved friend to many.

Sylvia is survived by her husband, Arden of Leeds; two sons: Charles "Chip" Rognlie II of Yakima, WA, and Brent (Sue) Rognlie of Westminster, CO; and a daughter, Susan (David) Cowan of Grandview, WA. She is also survived by three granddaughters: Tracy (Zach) Stroud, Danelle Cowan, and Erica (David) Schweitzer and two grandsons: Josh and Jeremy Rognlie. Surviving siblings are: Vivian (Gerald) Gilbertson of Devils Lake, Evelyn (William) Christensen of Omaha, NE, Donald (Nadine) Sinness of Arvada, CO, Thomas (Martha) Sinness of Tellico Plains, TN, Audrey Speed of Thornton, CO, James (Karen) Sinness of Cape Coral, FL and Robert Sinness, Longmont, CO.  She is also survived by sisters-in-law: Nancy Sinness of Phoenix, AZ, Ann Nelson of Leeds and Jean (Elmer) Boesl of Edmore; brother-in-law Norman Rognlie of Helena, MT; two aunts: Wilma Brown and Irene Treakle;  two uncles: Glenn and Duane Peterson and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents and her first husband, Charles, she was preceded in death by two brothers, David in 2007 and LeRoy in 2009, and four brothers-in-law: Bernard and Homer Rognlie, Rod Speed, and Rollie Nelson.







Condolences:

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you gather together to celebrate Sylvia's life.  Sandy and Brad Bjerke



I am so sorry to hear of Sylvia's passing.  She was a wonderful person and I know will be missed by her family & friends.  My thoughts and prayers are with you all that you may find comfort during this time.  Judy (Noltimier) Dawson



My thoughts are with you Arden and family.  I am so sorry.  Lester Peterson