Harold F. Helmeke

Harold F. Helmeke, 87, Linden Tree Circle, Moorhead, MN, died on Saturday, January 28, 2006, in Meritcare Hospital, Fargo, ND. Harold F. Helmeke was born in Red Wing, MN, to Fred and Lavinia Zignigo Helmeke. He grew up and attended school near Georgetown, MN. He entered the U.S. Army Air Corps on June 13, 1941, and served in the European and African Theatre of WWII, receiving his discharge on June 18, 1945. Harold married Audrey Mandsager on August 14, 1947, in Georgetown, MN. They lived in Fargo, ND, until 1949. In 1949, they moved to Audrey's parents' farm in the Georgetown/Felton area, where they farmed until their retirement in 1979. They moved to Moorhead in 1987. Audrey died on Tuesday, November 20, 2001, in Eventide Lutheran Home, at the age of 83. Harold raised certified seed for the University of Minnesota and was once named Premier Farmer of the Year by the University. He also served on numerous boards and committees for the American Crystal Sugar Company, and was on the Georgetown Elevator Board for several years. Harold enjoyed the land and his many years of farming.Harold is survived by his daughter, Kay Jim Hockett, Moorhead, MN; two grandchildren, Matt fiancé Kelly Pinke, Moorhead, MN, and Angie Hockett, Minneapolis, MN; sister Isabelle Mills, Seattle, WA; five brothers, Loren Agatha, Fargo, ND, Waldo Bonita, LeSueur, MN, Lloyd, Moorhead, Lester Verna, Moorhead, Kerry Kay, Chapin, South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey, his parents, and a brother, Maynard.