ST. JAMES–Duane “Henry” Ervin Helget, age 74, of Saint James, died on March 12, 2024, peacefully in his home. Visitation will be on Sunday, March 17, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Sturm Funeral Home, Saint James Chapel and will continue on Monday from 10:00 am until 10:45 am at Sturm Funeral Home, Saint James Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held at Saint James Catholic Church in Saint James, on Monday, March 18, 2024, at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Saint James. Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Saint James. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.

Henry was born April 6, 1949, to Alvin and Leona (Fischer) Helget in Sleepy Eye. He graduated from Saint Mary’s High School in Sleepy Eye in 1967. Henry developed his lifetime passion for farming beginning at an early age working their family farm. On October 29, 1971, he married Ruthie Liebl in Saint George. Together, they built their legacy, which consisted of dairy cattle, crop farming and raising their 8 children. Today, their family farm is carried on by the solid work ethic, love and values they instilled.

Henry lived for baseball. He played for numerous teams throughout the years and was an excellent left-handed pitcher, and considered an all-star by many. He played for competitive teams until he was nearly 60 years old. In his free time, Henry also enjoyed league bowling, riding his Harley, going to the cabin, and spending time with family and friends.

Henry’s joy for people was apparent. Whether it was through his activities, his family, buying ya a beer at the local watering hole, or lending a helping hand. Henry was there, always. He lit up a room, and his memory will be cherished forever by all that were lucky enough to be a part of his legacy.

Henry is survived by his wife, Ruthie; children, Tammy Brabazon of Black Hawk, South Dakota, Jamie Helget of La Salle, Jeremy “JJ” Helget of Saint James, Kayla (Scott) Mathiowetz of Sleepy Eye, Justin “B-Z” (Katie Miller) Helget of Saint James, Nathan Lee Helget of near Saint George, and Jenna “PeeWee” (Michael Rezac) Helget of Hanska; grandchildren, Devon (Betsy), Noah, Elle, Hannah, Lacey, Tyler, Taylor, Darrin, Breau, Keyera Mae, Levin, Lux, and Charlee; great grandchildren, Lauren and Jacob; and siblings, Dennis (Kathleen) Helget, Darrel (Vivian) Helget, Gerald (Dorothy) Helget, Marlin (Carol) Helget, Dale Helget, and Lorin Helget.

Henry was preceded in death by his daughter, Janelle; parents; niece, Shannon Helget; and nephew, Craig Helget.

My Hard Work Here is Done

I raised a beautiful family, worked the land well,

and always followed my heart.

The dream I have built is placed in good care,

and my legacy will carry on.

Faith and Passion few possess led my journey through life,

often a jagged and stony way.

My last sunset is done, the crops are in, equipment parked,

and here now is the end of my stay.

My work here on earth is done.

Please know that if I had more time, I would have used it to say

“I love ya,” and “goodbye.”

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