Russel Lloyd Helmeke

Russel Lloyd Helmeke was born December 5, 1926, in Viding Township, Clay County, MN, to Fred and Lavinia (Zignego) Helmeke. Russel was raised in that area and graduated from Moorhead (MN) High School.
Russel continued his education at Moorhead State College and later Interstate Business College in Fargo. He entered military service on April 13, 1945 and served in the Signal Corps. He was discharged on June 21, 1946.

Russel was united in marriage to Lois Pederson on July 6, 1948, in Georgetown, MN, and they made their home in Moorhead. Russel entered the insurance business in 1952, and retired as owner of Bjornson, Inc., in 1989.

Lois preceded Russel in death on June 24, 2002. He maintained his summer residence in Moorhead and moved to Parker, CO, during the winter months to be closer to his family.

Russel enjoyed many outdoor activities including gardening, golfing, fishing and hunting. He also enjoyed wood carving and painting. He was a member of the Moorhead Midday-Central Lions, the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans.
He was an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Moorhead, since 1948, where he had served on a number of committees. He had been an elder as well as a trustee at one time.
Russel died on Monday, February 1, 2010, at Sky Ridge Medical Center, Lone Tree, CO, at eighty-three years of age.
He is survived by his two daughters, Vicki Lambert and Sherry (Robert Clark) Helmeke, both Parker, CO; a granddaughter, Kristin Lambert, Parker; four brothers, Loren Helmeke and Lester (Verna) Helmeke, both Fargo, ND, Waldo (Bonita) Helmeke, Le Sueur, MN, and Kerry (Kay) Helmeke, Chapin, SC; and one sister, Isabelle Mills, Seattle, WA.
In addition to his wife, Russel was preceded in death by his brothers, Harold and Maynard.
Visitation for Russel will be Monday, February 8, 2010, from 5 - 7 PM, with a prayer service at 6:30 PM, in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead.
His funeral will be Tuesday, February 9, 2010, at 2 PM, in Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Moorhead.