Obituary: Ronald Helliwell

Ronald Helliwell, 81, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Nov. 15, 2019, surrounded by the caring staff of Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd in New Rockford, N.D. Funeral and graveside service was held at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Thursday, Nov. 21.

Ron was born on Aug. 12, 1938, in Williston, ND. He was the only child of Pearl Louise and John Andrew Helliwell.

As a child, Ron and his parents moved to New Rockford, where he finished his schooling. He served in the U.S. Navy for 12 years. As an American patriot, Ron fought for his beloved country during the Vietnam War.

He married in 1963. His first daughter, Nancy, was born in 1966 while he was stationed in San Diego, Calif. His second daughter, Rhonda, came into his life in 1969 when he was living in Roy, Utah. Ron's only son and youngest child, John Andrew, was born prematurely in Roy in 1971.

Ron enjoyed many things in life. He liked watching "Hee-Haw" and western movies. In his young adult years, he enjoyed getting together with friends and family for pickin'-and-grinnin' with his guitar. As he got older he was involved with the HAM radio and the VFW.

Ron and his mother, Pearl, moved back to New Rockford in 1990. He loved the peacefulness of the small town versus the larger city. He enjoyed morning coffee and shooting-the-breeze at the Rockford Cafe. Ron took good care of his mother throughout the remainder of her life. He faithfully visited her every day at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd.

Ron is survived by his two daughters: Nancy Eckhart and Rhonda Pettis; and his seven grandchildren.

Ron was preceded in death by his son: John Andrew Helliwell; his parents: John Andrew Helliwell and Pearl Louise Helliwell.

We would like to express our gratitude to those who visited and cared for our father in Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd. We never had to worry about him receiving quality and compassionate care. Our heart-felt thanks is not enough.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, N.D.