Omer Ellsworth Helland

Funeral services for Omer Ellsworth Helland will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, May 19, 2014 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Alden. The Rev. Greg Ofsdahl will officiate. Interment will be in the Alden Cemetery with military honors accorded by members of the American Legion and VFW Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 5 – 8:00 p.m., Sunday, May 18, 2014 at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the time of the service at the church on Monday.

Omer died on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at the Mayo Health System, Albert Lea.

Omer Ellsworth Helland was born on July 9, 1922 in Emmons, MN, the son of Ole and Ingaborg (Martinson) Helland. Omer grew up in Emmons and went to high school in Albert Lea. After school he began working for Ebert Plumbing when he was 19 years old. He was very passionate about his career. On April 19, 1942 Omer was united in marriage to Eleanor Jahnke. Following her death, Omer married Verna (Petersen) Seedorf on June 1, 1963. Omer served in the U.S. Army during WWII, in the Pacific Theater. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, the Golden K2 Kiwanis, and the Alden American Legion. Omer was an avid reader, enjoyed golfing, fishing, and played the violin. In his younger years he was a member of the “Rhythm Rascals” band.

Survivors include his children Kathleen (Bobby) Lie of Naples, FL, Sharrie (James) Huston of Zumbrota, MN, Eugene (Carol) Helland of Ellendale, MN, and Joan (Brian) Hazle of LaGrange, KY; grandchildren Rachel (Paul) Jackson of Southborough, MA, Gregory Lie of San Diego, CA, Andrew (Amber) Huston of Indianapolis, IN, Christopher Huston of Winona, MN, Melissa (Bob) Darg of Garner IA, Stephanie (Chris) Wilding of PeWee Valley, KY, and Lucas (Amy) Hazle of Las Vegas, NV; great-grandchildren Ashlyn, Preston, Cameron, Leyton, Taylor, MyKenzie, Ryan, Lauren, and Heather; sister Donna May Johnson of Albert Lea; sisters-in-law Frances Roberts of Albert Lea and Ramona Petersen of Alexandria; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Omer was preceded in death by his parents, his wives Eleanor and Verna, and his grandson Ryan Omer Helland.