Bonnie (Helgeson) Lee, 75

Published 4:29 pm Saturday, August 16, 2014

Bonnie (Helgeson) Lee, 75, of Austin, Minnesota, formerly of the Detroit Lakes area, died Friday, Aug. 1, 2014, surrounded by her family.

Bonnie was born in Austin, Minnesota, on Nov. 8, 1938, to Amos and Cecelia (Fitzsimmons) Helgeson. The eldest of four children, Bonnie paved the way for her younger siblings with her unconventional view of the world. She began her schooling at the Magnuson Country School in Newry Township and finished her education in Austin. A graduate of Austin High School and Austin Vocational School with a degree in cosmetology, the roots were established to provide a career that sustained her until retirement. Post-secondary studies continued at the Minneapolis Institute of Art for this ambitious young lady, and fostered skills she used to create a multitude of paintings.

Bonnie’s quest for adventure took her to live and work in the states of Nevada and Hawaii. After meeting her late husband Carlton Lee, her travels continued to Missouri, Texas, Colorado and California. Eventually she returned to her home state of Minnesota where she opened and operated Bonnie Lee for Hair Design in Detroit Lakes for 28 years. Bonnie’s positive focus and empathetic management style led to a “Boss of the Year” award from the local Jaycees. No stranger to philanthropy, Bonnie used her talents to produce appropriate hair and makeup for local theater productions and cancer patients. Retirement and a battle with ovarian cancer brought her back to her hometown of Austin where she became actively involved in the Austin Area Arts Center.

A born leader, Bonnie served on the board of directors and acted as the gallery coordinator for the art center. She was chosen as the Austin City Purchase Award winner for the past two consecutive years. A watercolor painting of the original courthouse superimposed on the current building is one of the award winners that can be viewed at the courthouse.

This accomplished artist’s mantra was “each day is a new inspiration.” Her outlook went beyond her paintings to the relationships she cultivated with her friends and family. One of her longtime mentees wrote “Bonnie touched the lives of many.” Zest for life and a positive attitude despite her battle with cancer were an inspiration.

Survivors include her brother, Wallace Helgeson (Suzanne); sister, Debra Helgeson (Chronis); Carlton’s children, Greg Lee (KC), Carla Lee, Carolyn Mehus (Gary), Christy Lee (David Gralian), and Cindy Bryant (Weldon); Carlton’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces Jane Helgeson, Sara Fett (Brian), Anne Farniok (Steve), Mary Morem (Lee), and nephew Brandon Helgeson (Becky).

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her brother Alan “Butch” Helgeson; and grandchild Daniel Bryant.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22, 2014, at 606 21st Ave. NW, Austin.