Leo D. Helland, 91

Leo Helland

Formerly of Huntley Leo Helland, age 91, formerly of rural Huntley died peacefully in his sleep Jan. 21, 2019 at Parkview nursing home in Wells. Funeral service was 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Rev. Jeanette Bidne officiated. Burial took place at Rosehill Cemetery in Winnebago.

Leo Dennie Helland was born April 26, 1927 in Blue Earth, to Cora (Anderson) Helland and Alfred Helland. As a boy he went to Pilot Grove country school, and later attended both Huntley High and Blue Earth High School, where he proudly played football and graduated in 1945. Also, that year, Leo enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. After briefly attending Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter in the late 1940s, he returned to Faribault County. During this period, he re-met former school friend Helen Ford. They married Sept. 2, 1950 and began living and farming south of Huntley, spending 41 years together.

Leo spent almost 50 years farming. For decades he was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Blue Earth and served there in multiple functions, including pastoral search and holiday committees. In the 1970s and 80s, he presided on the Granada-Huntley School Board and served regional board terms as well. He was an active member of the American Legion in Blue Earth and Granada. Over the years his other civic interests included playing in softball and bowling leagues, advocating for the installation of the Winnebago Public Swimming Pool, he also was an avid golfer and card-player, he enjoyed fishing trips up north, and pull tabs. He will be most remembered for being a kind, generous man who took excellent care of his family no matter the situation, to Leo, there were no limitations.

Survivors include Bruce Helland (Sheila) of Guckeen, Sandra Helland Kurseth (Mark King) of Huntley, and Gail Helland (Helmut Pfurtscheller) of Minneapolis; grandsons, Charles (Courtney) Hanson of Overland Park, Kansas and Joshua (Jolene) Hanson of Mankato; two great-grandchildren, Natalie and Isabella. Leo is also survived by his favorite dog pal, Duck.

Leo is preceded in death by his wife, Helen; four brothers, Arlin, Orvis, Mort and Allen and two sisters, Evelyn Smith and Twyla Frisbey.