Service Information
Tom Helland, husband of Mary, age 79, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away Saturday, April 28, 2018, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, Minnesota.
Memorial Services will be held Friday, May 4, 2018, 11:00 A.M. at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, Minnesota, with interment at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery in New London, Minnesota.
Gathering of Family & Friends will be held Thursday, May 3, 2018, from 4:00-7:00 P.M., at Christ the King Lutheran Church and will continue one hour prior the service at the church.
Memorials are preferred to Christ The King Lutheran Church: 1040 South Grade Road, Hutchinson, MN 55350, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network: PanCAN.org, or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are with the Dobratz-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hutchinson.
Obituary
Wilhelm “Tom” Thomas Helland was born on January 14, 1939, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was the son of W. A. Bill and Hazelle (Thompson) Helland. The family moved to Spicer, Minnesota in 1943. The family made many moves over the years; however they always kept their home on Green Lake in Spicer. Tom was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth at Green Lake Lutheran Church in Spicer. He graduated from Highland High in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1957. Tom served in the Army Reserves for 6 years. Tom attended Augsburg College and the Minnesota School of Business. He worked in the grocery and insurance business before opening his own Travel Agency in 1970. Tom was fortunate enough to retire in June 2001.
On October 8, 1960, Tom married Mary Jean Miller, the love of his life. This marriage was blessed with three children, Dawn, David and Michelle. Tom and Mary shared over 57 years of marriage.
Tom enjoyed life! He loved golfing, fishing, spending time with his family, church family and his friends. Tom especially cherished the numerous fishing trips to Canada with his children, grandchildren and friends. After his cancer diagnosis, Tom’s perspective of life completely changed. He valued each and every day and he appreciated the little things, like listening to the birds sing, smelling the flowers in bloom and watching the beautiful sunsets. Tom remained optimistic throughout his entire journey here on earth. Whenever you saw him, he always had a beautiful smile and of course, 2 thumbs up. Tom lived each day to its fullest. As many of you know, Tom’s favorite sayings were: “Today is a Gift” and “I am so blessed”. We were blessed to have Tom in our lives. He has been an inspiration to many and will be greatly missed.
Tom passed away peacefully on April 28, 2018, at the age of 79, after a long 6 ½ year battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Blessed be his memory.
Tom is survived by his:
Wife, Mary Helland of Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Dawn Johnson and her husband, Pete of New London, MN,
David Helland and his wife, Cheryl of Brownton, MN,
Michelle Renville and Travis Peterson of Brownton, MN;
Grandchildren, Rachel, Gabrielle, David, Aaron, Nathan, Amber, Jacob, Kyle, Tyler, Chase, Riese, Mitchell, Maguire and Maxwell;
Great-Grandchildren, Hendrix, McKinley, Carter and Lyla;
Brothers, Tyrone Helland and his wife, Suzanne of Arizona,
Lorne Helland of New London, MN;
Along with Brad Renville, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Tom is preceded in death by his: Parents, W. A. Bill and Hazelle Helland; Grandparents, Otto and Lillie Thompson; Sister, Lynette Olson.
Arlene Zimmerman says
I am so sorry that you have lost your life’s partner. You have my deepest sympathy. It’s a challenge to go on, but as I would tell my friends that asked, “they aren’t going to stop the world so I can get off”. So we go forward, taking it one day at a time. God will give you the strength that you need, and also become the one you talk to often.
Love and prayers, Arlene
Kim Klingfus says
Thinking of you and your family Michelle. I have been watching you post pictures since he got sick. I can’t imagine how you feel. I just lost my grandma and still cry over that. I will be thinking of you during the difficult days. I didn’t know your dad, but I think I missed out on a wonderful man. Hang in there!
Lloyd Allen says
Mary and family–
I am so sorry for your loss. Tom’s attitude was an inspiration to so many!
My friendship with him will always be remembered with high regards.
Please know you and your family will be in my prayers.
Lloyd
Toni & Bob Slavik says
Toni and I were saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. We are so thankful for the many times we traveled together and how he and Mary worked to help us. He was a true friend. Our recent contacts were limited to an occasional phone visit and we all enjoyed every one. Our sympathies are with you and your family.
Sally Doughty says
Mary and family – I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. As you know, he really hasn’t gone very far, he has just gone into another room.
He will certainly be missed by so many but will be missed most by you all. My heart goes out to you. May God hold you in the palm of his hand and give you comfort. Love, Sally
Bunny Timpe says
Saddened by the news. Tom was an amazing guy and you and your family were blessed to have him. Thoughts and prayers are with you on this journey. God bless your journey. Mary as you move forward without Tom. Take care my friend. Bunny.
Toni & Bob Slavik says
Toni and I were saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a true gentleman and friend and he will be missed. We were blessed to have known him. He set a positive, courageous example for all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mary and family.
Bob and Joyce Goetz says
Dear Mary and family,
May our Lord Jesus cheer your saddened hearts and comfort you at the loss of Tom. Joyce and I fondly remember when Tom added a free
salmon fishing trip when we booked our tour of Alaska with him here in Austin. I (Bob) was your AAL rep at the time.
Gary Esbeck says
Mary we are so sorry for your loss. Tom and you were some of our favorite friends back in Austin Mn. Tom was always optimistic and had a bright smile on his face. He will be missed but certainly we will always have fond memories of him and the good times we had. Our prayers are with you gary and connie esbeck
Ginny Liljefelt says
Dear Mary,
My husband & I send our deepest sympathies in the passing of Tom. Although we have never met, I feel like we have known one another
for a long time. Having survived this dreadful disease I can only say that Tom was a true warrior and connecting with him over the past years has inspired me in ways I find hard to describe. He will always be in our hearts. God bless you Mary, during this difficult time.
Love,
Alice Mercord says
Mary and family,
You have our sympathy, I will always remember all the wonderful times shared with Tom and yourself, on the many trips and supervisor annual meetings. we were truly a large loving family. Now our family is growing smaller, but never forgotten. Prayers for strength for you and your family as you go through this difficult time.
Alice Mercord
Sales coordinator