Richard K. Helleson

Richard Kenneth Helleson was born on October 16, 1946 to Kenneth and Margaret (Almhjeld) Helleson in Marshall, MN. He grew up in Garvin, attended Garvin Elementary School and graduated from Tracy High School. He then enlisted into the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1968. On January 21, 1972, Richard was united in marriage to Sheila Holmberg at Hope Lutheran Church in New Hope, MN. They lived on a farm site south of Garvin for a short time before moving into Tracy. Together they owned The Little Store in Tracy for a number of years. Richard also worked at the 7up Bottling Company and most recently was grounds keeper and bus driver for the Tracy school district. Over the years, Richard was active with the American Legion, was usher at Tracy Lutheran Church, took care of the grounds and was on the board at Hoiland Lutheran Cemetery, and was a member of the Tracy Eagles. Richard enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, baseball, and watching the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren, children, brothers, family and friends. On Thursday, May 18, 2017, Richard passed away at the Sanford Tracy Medical Center in Tracy at the age of 70. He is survived by his wife Sheila Helleson of Tracy; children Cheryl (Greg Bolles) McDonnell of Clive, IA, Wade (Charity) Helleson of Sioux Falls, SD and AFS daughter Priscila (Wojciech Kupiec) Alarcon of Santiago, Chile; grandchildren Cadence and Bridge Helleson, Alison McDonnell and Barbara Kupiec; brothers Dale (Sandy) Helleson of Farmington and Duane (Debra) Helleson of Faribault; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Roger Helleson and granddaughter Hope McDonnell. Blessed be his memory. Sunday, May 21, 2017 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Sunday, May 21, 2017 6:30 PM Monday, May 22, 2017 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Monday, May 22, 2017 10:30 AM