Norbert Heltemes

Norbert Mathias Heltemes, age 86 of Bluffton, passed away early on Saturday morning at his daughters home in Staples after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Norbert was born on December 14, 1919 to Joseph & Margaret (Wegscheid) Heltemes in Bluffton. He was united in marriage to Patricia Ann Goldie on October 23, 1951 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bluffton. Norbert and Pat worked the family farm and he also did carpentry work for 40 years before retiring. He was a member of the St. John's Society, St. John's Holy Family Catholic Aid, Bluffton Senior Citizens and the Bluffton Lions Club. Norbert was known for his strong faith in God, his love of the Bluffton community and the St. John's Church family. He enjoyed playing cards, telling stories and visiting with friends and relatives. His greatest pride was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Norbert was preceded in death by his parents; wife Pat on Feb. 18, 2002 and his brothers Victor and Gilbert. He is survived by his daughters; Susan of Silver Spring, MD, Carol of Wadena, Joann (Henry) Schornack of Staples and Linda of Brooklyn Park; grandchildren Shannon Schornack, Tricia (Rob) Jasmer, Becky (Ryan) Windschitl and Michael Heltemes; great-grandchildren Dylan & Breanna Jasmer; sisters Lidwina Buettner of Wadena, Jeannette (Sylvester) Budig of Baraboo, WI, Julie (Jack) Josephson of Little Falls; brothers Sylvester (Cecelia) of Wadena, Alvis (Eileen) of Castle Rock, WA, Richard (Coy) of Castle Rock, WA and a sister in law Joanne Heltemes of Hewitt. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 29th at 11:00 AM in the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Bluffton with Fr. Albert Holmes & Fr. Peter Kirchner as celebrants. Chaplain Bradley Skogen will also participate. Pallbearers will be Jerry Heltemes, Larry Heltemes, John Heltemes, Bill Heltemes, Joe Heltemes and Ray Buettner. Burial will take place next to his wife Pat in the St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery following the services. The family extends a heartfelt thanks to the Lakewood Health System Hospice team for their extraordinary care. The family requests that memorial gifts be directed in remembrance of Norbert to Lakewood Health System Hospice.

Norbert Heltemes

December 14, 1919 - March 25, 2006