Helga Gisela Bridgeman

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Helga Gisela Bridgeman, who left this world peacefully on January 11, 2026, just nine days shy of her 82nd birthday. Born on January 20, 1944, in Hannover, Germany, Helga immigrated to the United States in 1963, where she fulfilled her dream of becoming a proud American citizen, an accomplishment that brought her immense joy and pride, as she was the only one in her family to do so.

Helga enjoyed spending time with her husband going out to eat, honeymooning in Branson, MO and sharing lots of laughs and stories to last their lives. They spent several years as snowbirds in Arizona and they enjoyed visiting Sylvia in Virginia.

Helga held a special place in her heart and had a very unique bond with her twin sister, Gisela. Together, the two enjoyed moments filled with coffee, cigarettes, and lots of laughter. Her greatest pride came from her family, especially her son, Michael. Helga would light up when Michael entered the room. Helga also shared a unique bond with the family of her former spouse, Phillip Carlson.

She found great joy in nurturing her plants and the loving companionship of her pets. Helga leaves behind her dog Lilly and her cat Heidi, their companionship provided her with happiness and comfort.

Helga is survived by her loving husband of 33 years, Otis; her daughter Sylvia Crum and her children Joseph Augustus and Madeline Rose Crum; her twin sister Gisela Boeger and her children Brian Boeger and Michelle Severson; daughter-in-law Beth Carlson and her children Kyle Helmut and Delany Jean Carlson and step grandchild Chase Seyforth; stepchildren Jamie (Brian Hayward) Linger and her children Jorge Hernendez, Jonathan Linger, James Otis Bridgeman, Jr; Becky (Tommy) Johnston and her children Joshua Metoyer, Kaylee Russell and Tiana Johnston; Annie Sommer and her children David James and Tisha Carr, Carl Jr. and Kaydee Sommer; along with many other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her son Michael Helmut Carlson; her parents Helmut Wilhelm and Edith Marie Reuter; grandparents Wilhelm and Martha Reuter and Fritz and Paula Rittmeier; step-granddaughter Skylene Carter; and former spouses Phillip Carlson and Michael Santoyo;

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Alden Estates in Jefferson, and to Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek, for their exceptional care, compassion, and professionalism during Helga's final days. Their kindness brought not only comfort but also peace to Helga and her family in this difficult time.

In accordance with her family’s wishes, no services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor her memory to consider making a donation to Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek (https://rainbowcommunitycare.org/).