Details

Collection Summary
Collection: FND001 - SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Series: Tribute
Folder: DIG
Item: 271972
Title: Donald G. Helde
Date: 11/18/1941-2/11/2021
Creator:
Inscription/Marks: 11/18/1941
Summary: Donald Gene Helde, 79, Powers Lake, ND, passed away unexpectedly February 11, 2021, in Belle Fourche, SD. A funeral service was held February 18, 2021, at the Bethel Baptist Church in Powers Lake, with Pastor Mike Fraunfelter officiating. Donald was laid to rest at Bethel Baptist Cemetery in Powers Lake. Donald Gene Helde was born November 18, 1941, to Clifford and Laura (Hopkins) Helde. He had one brother, Robert Helde. Donald graduated in 1960 from Powers Lake High School. He enjoyed archery and participated in 4-H. From 1964 to 1966 Don served in the US Army and was drafted to the Vietnam War. He would tell a story of going to Kenmare, ND, and purchasing a new car, but when he got home he had received his draft papers and took the car right back to Kenmare. Don served as a proud soldier and would often tell stories of his time in Vietnam. Don was honorably discharged in 1966. He then returned to Powers Lake and married Loann Rose and they had a son, Slade. 1972-1980 Donald was married to Susan Niemitalo and had three children, Matt, Crystal, and Shane. Don and Susan spent their time in Lead, SD, where Don worked at Homestake Mine as an underground goldminer. After the second injury at the mine, Don left and returned to North Dakota. He enjoyed telling stories of his time at the mine and how many feet below the earth he would have to ride the elevator. In 1986 Don moved to the farm and camped out in a small wood granary until moving to a small trailer house. Don then met his soulmate, Ruth. They began their adventure on the farm together and raised sheep, cattle, pigs, and a variety of exotic critters. Don would always fuss when Ruth would find a new critter she just had to bring home, even though Don was happy to see her smile. Each Fall, Don and Ruth would host a BBQ at the farm. They would spend the day visiting, eating, and playing cribbage and pinochle. In 2013 after the passing of Ruth, Don continued to build decks, fish, do embroidery, and play cards at the Gold Dust Casino in Deadwood, SD. Donald was a very proud grandpa. He would never miss a chance to attend a birthday party, ball game, or a good fishing hole. He would welcome any chance to take a photo with one of his precious babies. Don cherished his grandchildren and he would glow whenever one would stop to see him. He is survived by his children, Slade Helde, Matt Helde, Crystal Helde and Shane Helde; and stepchildren, Jean Velo, James Skalicky and J.D. Skalicky. Donald will be greatly missed and is truly loved by his 14 grandkids and 18 great-grandkids. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Laura; and his beloved wife, Ruth.
Red ID: FND_I_79467 Image ID: 546559 Image Notes: FND001 271972

Collection: FND001 Digitized Images from Collection
Title: SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Date: -

Summary: The North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program is sponsored by the North Dakota Funeral Directors Association. The life stories of deceased North Dakotans are featured in an archvied collection. Current partners in the project are Eastgate Funeral & Cremation Services, Bismarck Evans Funeral Homes, Carrington and New Rockford Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home, Williston Fulkerson Funeral Home, Tioga Fulkerson Funeral Home, Watford City Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home, Williston Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck Springan Stevenson Funeral Home, Stanley Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson These funeral homes provide recent obituaries to the Foundation, where staff and volunteers format, edit and archive each memorial. The memorials are posted, and copies are sent to the family for their input and approval. The listing currently features more than 13,000 memorials, and is constantly updated as new memorials and histories are received.

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