Virgil Helt

Virgil Helt, 74, of Hannah, ND passed away December 17, 2009 at Valley Eldercare of Grand Forks, ND where he resided briefly.

Virgil Joseph Helt was born August 27, 1935 to Charles “Charley” and Sylvia (Shereck) Helt at his grandparent’s farm near Lankin, ND in Latona Township, Walsh County. He grew up and was educated in the Lankin area. Horses were a big part of his life. He had horses instead of bikes. He enjoyed breaking and working horses and treated them well. He sometimes rode them in parades. He entered the United States North Dakota Army National Guard in 1957 and was Honorably Discharged in 1963. After graduation he worked for a house mover for several years. Virgil was united in marriage to Marilyn Miller in 1959. He furthered his education at the Hanson Mechanical Trade School of Fargo, receiving his diploma in July of 1960. In the summer of 1960 they returned to Park River where Virgil worked as a mechanic for Larson Chevrolet until 1966. They moved to Hannah, ND where they raised their family and dedicated their lives to the Hannah area owning and operating Helt’s Garage. Virgil was especially skilled at being inventive in the garage and enjoyed restoring old vehicles with Jerry Badding in his spare time. He enjoyed being able to figure things out and problem solve. His girls could often be found helping around the garage where they were able to learn many important life skills. Throughout the years the Helt family enjoyed camping and fishing in Canada. About ten years ago Virgil and Marilyn purchased a lake cabin on Devils Lake where they enjoyed spending time boating, fishing and relaxing. They made several miles on their golf cart driving around the resort. Virgil and Marilyn traveled extensively visiting several states including Hawaii and Alaska. While at home Virgil enjoyed his garden and devoted time to his community, including serving as Mayor and as a fireman. Virgil never retired from his commitment to keeping the community of Hannah going. He has never wavered in his feelings of obligation to keep the gas flowing and people’s equipment and cars moving for the people of Hannah.

Virgil is survived by his daughters: Susan (Neil) Rundquist of Thompson, ND; Lori Helt of Valley City, ND; Bonnie (Shawn) Howatt of Starkweather, ND; grandchildren: Nathan (fiancée Alexa Thompson) and Kaylee Rundquist, Heather, Adam and Mandy Howatt, brother Dennis (Pat) Helt of Park River and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Marilyn in 2008.

Visitation will begin at 3 with a 5pm prayer service on Sunday, December 20, 2009 at the Brooks Funeral Home of Langdon, ND

Services will be held at 10:30 on Monday, December 21, 2009 at the United Methodist Church, Langdon, ND

Interment Hannah Cemetery, Hannah, ND