Norman Helle, 77, died Monday, June 16, 2008 at his home in Mahnomen, MN.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, June 20, 2008 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with Reverend Ale Tulu officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, June 19, 2008 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls with a 6:00 P.M. Prayer Service on Thursday evening and also one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Norman LeRoy Helle was born on May 15, 1931 in Oklee, MN, on his family farm, the son of John Daniel and Jeanette (Jacobson) Helle. He grew to adulthood in rural Thief River Falls and attended school in Thief River Falls.

Norman served in the Army National Guard from 1953-1956. He was united in marriage to Jeanette Lull on October 2, 1954 in Thief River Falls. The couple made their home in Thief River Falls, where Norman worked several jobs, many at one time to support his family. They included Less Sanitation, painting, the pipeline, the city of Thief River Falls, Kmart, and several other jobs until his health forced him to retire in 1983. He loved to make wooden ornaments and enjoyed giving them away. He spent a lot of time putting puzzles together, throwing dice and playing cards with his friends. Norman had more friends then most people will ever hope to have in one lifetime, all through the Midwest. He was a lifetime member of the Eagles and American Legion.

Norman is survived by a special someone, Barbara Shea, Independence, KS; four daughters, Julie Brayman (Cliff Reade), Mahnomen, MN, Virjean Nissen (Ron Amend), Gary, MN, Penny Helle (Tom Wilson), Fertile, MN and Shelly Helle (Dale Larson), Shelly, MN; two sons, Richard (Penny) Helle, Lucedale, MS and Rodney (Elaine) Helle, Gautier, MS; seven grandsons; three granddaughters; one great granddaughter; six great grandsons; three brothers, Daniel (Zoe Ann) Helle of Thief River Falls, MN, Harvey Helle of Thief River Falls, MN and Gerald (Jean) Helle of St. Hilaire, MN; one sister, Alice Thune of Thief River Falls, MN and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette Helle; one great-grandson, Charles Lent; his parents; one sister, Laura Cariveau; one brother, Lester Helle; and his grandparents.

Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com

ORGANIST: Ida Nordvall
SOLOIST: Sarah Nissen
SELECTIONS: You Are Mine and On Eagles Wings
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Sweet By and By and Just A Closer Walk With Thee
CASKETBEARERS: Jason Lent, Eric Lent, Chad Nissen, Mark Nissen, Andy Nissen and Dustin Hagen
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Michael Helle, Nichole Beauchamp, Kyrsten Waale and Brandie Hagen