William Helmbrecht

William Helmbrecht, age 72 of Sauk Centre, died Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008 at his home in Sauk Centre, Minnesota after a long courageous battle with cancer.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at Little Sauk-Long Bridge Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre. Rev. Steve Hilde will officiate with interment following in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call two hours prior to the services Saturday at the church.

William Helmbrecht was born May 29, 1935 in Round Prairie Township, Todd County, Minnesota to Sebastian and Alice Helmbrecht. He was the youngest of 8 children, and lost his father when he was 16. He left home to work on a farm until he was old enough to join the military. He retired after 21 years in the United States Navy. During his retirement he returned to Sauk Centre where he spent his time working as a farm hand and tending to his own gardens. He was a lifetime member of the Little Sauk American Legion. On April 4, 2003 he married Florence Samuelson Bielke in Long Prairie. Bill appeared to have a rough & tough exterior, but was actually a very kind hearted and loving man. He enjoyed spending time with friends and neighbors, playing cards, watching Westerns, growing flowers and feeding the neighborhood what he grew in his garden. Bill loved children, and took many under his wing & loved them as his own.

Survivors include his wife Florence "Flo", Byron Miland and Ruth Merten, and their families, Byron's wife Jody and their sons Brady and Preston, who was the apple of Bill's eye, Ruth's husband Terry, Rex, Heather & Michelle Spofford, Margie Norwood and Kim Miland, all whom he held dear. He is also survived by many loving friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers and sisters.