Richard Vernal Helling

Richard Helling passed away on Monday, October 9, 2017 at his home in St. James. Richard Vernal Helling was born in St. James on January 5, 1943, the son of Julian and Jeanette (Bloomquist) Helling. Richard grew up in St. James graduating from St. James High School in 1960. He served in the Army from 1961- 1963, he was stationed in Berlin, Germany when the Berlin Wall was being built. On April 23, 1966, Richard was united in marriage to Mary Ann Schroepfer in Sleepy Eye. Richard owned and operated Nelson Truck Hoods for many years. He served on the Board at the St. James VFW, served as Post Commander 1991-1992 and was a member of the St. James Veterans Honor Guard. Richard loved his family. He loved visiting Heidi and her family in Washington. He enjoyed teasing his grandchildren- his stories were crazy, Caleb and Brooke said he was full of baloney (coined by grandma). Richard loved to build things like the deck, bookcase, quilt holder and could fix almost anything. After his retirement he enjoyed being busy, he worked for a small farmer and did odd jobs for Ryan Ringen. Richard is survived by his wife Mary Ann Helling, children; Heidi (Daren) Bowlby, Scott Helling, Brian (Misty) Helling, grandchildren; Joshua, Justin, Jared, Jon Bowlby, Brooke and Caleb Helling, siblings; Gerald (Sharon) Helling, Gloria Sandmeyer, sisters-in-laws; Joyce Miller, Sharyn Schroepfer, brother-in-law; Dennis (Sandy) Schroepfer. He is preceded in death by his parents Julian and Jeanette Helling, brothers; LeDale, Brent and Marlin Helling, In-laws; Ray & Marcella Schroepfer, brothers-in-law; Marvin Schroepfer, John Miller and Paul Sandmeyer. Visitation 1 9:30 am - 10:30 am Friday, October 13, 2017 First Lutheran Church, St. James 716 6th Ave. S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Service Information 10:30 am Friday, October 13, 2017 First Lutheran Church, St. James 716 6th Ave. S. Saint James, Minnesota, United States 56081 Interment Information Ft. Snelling National Cemetery Address not given Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States 55450 Military Honors to be provided by the Ft. Snelling Memorial Honor Squad.