Delores Hellum

Stoughton - Delores J. (Pickarts) Hellum, age 89, passed away with her family holding her hand on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at St. Mary's Hospital, Madison, WI. She was born June 12, 1928 in Stoughton, WI to Leroy and Alma (Berge) Pickarts. On March 26, 1946 she married Donald C. Hellum in Manchester, Iowa. Together they raised a family in Stoughton, WI and were proud residents of the tightly knit Norwegian community.
Delores was owner and operator of her own beauty salon for 40+ years. Her shop was attached to her home on Summit Ave. She worked long hard hours in that shop on her feet all day making many women in Stoughton beautiful. She and her husband purchased a summer home on Lake Kegonsa and they summered there for 25+ years. It was there that they hosted their children and grandchildren many summer weekends swimming, water skiing, fishing, tubing and making great memories.
Following her retirement Delores enjoyed making lefse with Don and supplying many of their friends, neighbors and family with pounds of the delicious potato bread treat. After Don passed away in 2015 Delores traveled to her daughters homes many times to spend time with them and the grandchildren. She recently completed a bus trip to Branson, MO with her daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Bob to see the Christmas shows there with them.
She was a member of First Lutheran Church of Stoughton where she recently reconnected with many of her friends whom she held dearly. She really looked forward to breakfast with her friends and lunch after church most Sundays with them.
Delores is survived by her daughter, Janice (Robert) Niblo of Winnebago, IL. Son-in-law Gary Kirby of the Wisconsin Dells. Brother-in-law, Glen Hauge of Deforest, WI. Four grandchildren, Michelle (Tad) Stubbe of Dakota, IL. Melanie (Aaron) Tack of Rockford, IL. Aaron (Amy) Kirby of Reedsburg, WI and Brandon (Kerry) Kirby of Osego, MN. 13 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandsons.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, daughter, Diane L. Kirby, 2 sisters, Dorothy Kauffman and Arlene Hauge.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 310 E. Washington St. Stoughton with Rev John Shep presiding. There will be a visitation immediately prior from 9:00 AM -11:00 AM on Saturday at the church. A private burial of her cremains will take place at a later date.
Memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church of Stoughton, WI or Skaalen Retirement Services. A special thank you to the staff of St. Mary's Hospital, and Cress funeral home for their excellent care.

Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
206 W Prospect Ave Stoughton
608-873-9244