Willard D Hellekson

Willard Duane Hellekson, age 84, of rural Lake Crystal, died Monday, October 8, 2007 at Hillcrest Health Care Center, Mankato.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 11, 2007 at Zion Lutheran Church, Lake Crystal with Rev. Nancy Dreier officiating. Burial will be in Hebron Cemetery, Nicollet Township, Nicollet County. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday at Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour before service at church on Thursday. Memorials may be given to Bethany Lutheran Church, Judson.

Willard was born December 29, 1922 to Clarence and Ellen (Sutherland) Hellekson in rural Lake Crystal. He Graduated from Lake Crystal High School in 1943 and soon enlisted in the Army Air Corps to help fight during WWII. Proficiency with a gun, developed by years of boyhood hunting, landed him a place in gunnery school and he flew 40 missions in the South Pacific as a waist gunner on a B24 Liberator. The crew became like family and for the rest of their lives, most have remained in contact. Willard was very proud of the role they played in securing the islands of Saipan, Iwo Jima, and Tinian. He remained very patriotic and for the rest of his life teared up every time he heard the Star Spangled Banner.

Willard returned and married Elaine Gustafson, January 6, 1946. Though he loved farming, the economics of providing for a family, forced him to take a job as a Bread Salesman which he did for over 30 years. After retirement he worked at Uppie's in Lake Crystal, a job he truly enjoyed. Bill treasured the life long friendships of Glen Walker and Charlie Herbst, as well as many friends he gathered through out life. His ability to tell stories, easy laugh, and genuine kindness will be missed by all who have known him.

Willard is survived by his wife, Elaine of 61 years, his two children, Carol Lee and life partner, Dave Ross of Mankato and Douglas (Marsha) Hellekson of Vernon Center; 3 grandchildren, Daniel (Misten) Hellekson of rural Lake Crystal, Michael Hellekson of Vernon Center, and Drew Dandurand of North Mankato; nieces, a nephew, and cousins. He was preceeded in death by his parents and sister, Marilyn Schneider.

The family is very grateful to the dedicated women from the Mankato Lutheran Home Care Services who gave him one last summer on the farm and to the staff at the Hillcrest Health Care Center who cared so well for him his last days.