Harold N. Helleck
Friday, October 25, 1935
Date of Death:
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Age:
89 years old
Friday, October 25, 1935
Date of Death:
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Age:
89 years old
Friday, October 25, 1935
Date of Death:
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Age:
89 years old
Harold N. Helleck
Harold Norman Helleck, 89, went to be with the Lord peacefully surrounded by his daughters and holding his wife Susan’s hand, on February 5th, 2025.
Harold was born on October 25, 1935, in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, to Theodore and Jane Helleck. He was the youngest of 5 children: Thelma, Josephine, Art, and Rocky, all deceased.
He attended Country School until 9th grade where he started Blooming Prairie High School. After graduation, he joined the Army, serving as a Medic in France. Upon completion of his service, he attended Mankato State, where he earned his Business Administration and Teaching degrees.
While in college he met the love of his life and best friend Susan Young of Austin, Minnesota. They were happily married for 67 years. He began his career at Collin’s Radio in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, before joining IBM-Rochester where he was a Senior Engineer/Project Manager, retiring after 37 years of service.
Harold and Susan had two daughters whom he adored: Hally (Dennis Woolsey) and Heidi (Bradley Sprang). He was blessed with 5 grandchildren: Brandon and Marissa Woolsey; Andrew, Gabby, and Sophie Sprang.
Harold enjoyed hunting and fishing with Susan as well as spending summers at their cabin in Northern Minnesota. In his retirement years, he and Susan enjoyed traveling abroad and spent the winters as “Snowbirds” in Lake Havasu, Arizona.
Education was important to Harold, and he encouraged learning with each of his children and grandchildren. As a testimony to this belief, he has donated his body to the Mayo Medical School for medical students to enhance their learning and research studies.
Harold’s family would like to thank: Dr. Hartzell Schaff – Cardiac Surgeon, Dr. Randall Thomas (and staff) Cardiology, Dr. Matthew Thomas – Primary Care, and Dr. Andy Boch (and staff) – Palliative Medicine. Special thanks to our angel, Mary Giesler – R.N. who we believe was sent from heaven to care for Harold and his family during his final days at Saint Mary’s hospital.
The family would also like to thank the employees of HyVee South for their kindness and assistance over the past few years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Bethel Lutheran Church, with military honors and a luncheon to follow. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
The family requests any donations to Seasons Hospice or the Bethel Lutheran Church Music Department.
Condolences
The family of Harold N. Helleck has received the following condolences.
Susan . . . I've been thinking of you. I"m so pleased that you have a huge treasury of happy memories of the years you shared with Harold. I recall when you talked about your good times..It was clear that you and Harold loved and liked each other. May your treasured memories bring you joy and peace in the coming days. . . . Sandra
My sincerest condolences on the loss of such a loving and supportive husband and father to his family. As an uncle, Herald was also supportive with both words of wisdom and a sense of humor for me, one of his nieces. Growing up, I saw the humorous banter between my parents, Uncle Herald, and Aunt Susan. Many times, an entire family. It saddens me to have him gone, but I know the mark he has left of being one of the kindest souls that I knew growing up. My vision is now of him, my father, my brother, and uncle John continuing their friendly and humorist debate on today's politics.
To the family of Susan Helleck and Heidi Helleck Sprang. I’m so sorry for your loss. Harold was a wonderful mentor and father. As the college roommate and friend to Heidi, I saw first hand what a wonderful man, father, teacher, and later grandfather he was. Our family has fond memories of visits to MN to see Heidi’s parents Susan and Harold. Their grandkids, Andrew, Gabby, and Sophie are so very fortunate to have such an amazing paternal mentor. He exemplified every hard working man on what he did for his family. He was supportive to his daughters, and so giving to all his family. I’m grateful for the time I had to share in Harold’s journey.
Love & Hugs to you all!
julie & Mike Johnson
Dear Susan and family,
I was very saddened at reading about Harold’s passing. Jeff talked so fondly of Harold when he was working at IBM. I heard about some of the good laughs they shared especially when traveling. You were blessed to have him for so many years. May the many memories you all hold carry you through this difficult time. Unfortunately,I will be out of town for the funeral. You will all be in my prayers. God bless you.
Toni
I was proud to have Harold as my uncle. He was a very kind person. My husband enjoyed hunting deer with him many years. Harold could be funny at times. He loved his family deeply. We were also honored to have him in our wedding. He will be missed!!! Our deepest condolences to his family. Rest in peace Uncle Harold❤️