Ervin Hellman

ERVIN WILLIAM HELLMAN Sr. August 1, 1937 – April 21, 2017                   Ervin William Hellman Sr., age 79, of Anoka, MN, peacefully passed into eternity on Friday morning, April 21st, 2017 at the Mercy Medical Center in Coon Rapids, MN surrounded by his loved ones.                  Ervin was born on August 1, 1937 in Dickinson, North Dakota to Mike and Lena (Wolbaum) Hellman.  As a boy he attended country school near his parent’s farm west of Dickinson out on old highway 10.  As a boy he learned the value of good hard work helping on his dad’s farm.  As a young man he worked as a chain man on the oil rigs surrounding Tioga and Watford, North Dakota.  He loved the country life of western North Dakota.  In 1957, Ervin entered the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country until receiving his honorable discharge in 1959 when he returned to North Dakota to farm with his dad.  In May of 1961, Ervin was united in marriage to Louise Mae Brodman.  They were blessed with a son, Ervin Jr. and a daughter, Teresa “Terry”.  A short time following their marriage the young family moved to the Twin Cities where Erv first gained employment with the Sunshine Cracker Company.  He later began a more than twenty year career working as a supervisor for the Curtis Hotel in downtown Minneapolis.  In 1971, Erv fulfilled a lifelong dream and purchased a farm of his own in northern MN near the town of Menahga.  He enjoyed that his farm became a hub of activity from visiting family members and friends from the cities.  In 1984 he sold the farm to his son, Ervin Jr., who still owns the property to this day and like his father enjoys the many weekend and holiday visits from both family and friends.  From an early age until the time of his death, Erv enjoyed studying and learning about astronomy. He also enjoyed learning about war history.  He enjoyed playing pinochle with his son, Ervin, daughter, Terry and nephew, Jimmy and playing cribbage with his son-in-law, Mike.  Above all, Erv loved his son and daughter with all his heart—they were the pride of his life.                 He will be lovingly remembered by his son, Ervin William Hellman, Jr, of Menahga, MN, his daughter, Teresa “Terry” (Mike) Smith of Andover, MN; five grandchildren: Erin (Chris) Walsh, Shawn Smith and Justin Smith both of Andover; Holly (Jake) Judd of St. Cloud and Bob Griffin of Anoka; 7 great  grandchildren; his sister, Leona (Ed) Christenson of St. Paul; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.                 Ervin was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Catherine and four brothers: Nick, Mike, Ben and John.                 Funeral services are planned for 2 PM Friday, April 28th at the Assumption of Our Lady Catholic Church in Menahga, MN with Father Lauren Germann officiating.  The organist will be Ione Ellingson and the cantors will be Tim and Tom Ellingson. Interment will be made in the Alajoki Cemetery.  The casket bearers will be: Shawn Smith, Justin Smith, Bob Griffin, Blaine Abraham, Russell Walter, Calvin Walter and Jim Hellman.  Military honors will be provided by the Guy L. McDermeit VFW Post of Menahga.  Following the service a lunch will be served by the Church family in the fellowship hall.  Visitation will begin one hour prior to the services at the church.  To leave on line condolences please visit www.cardinipearson.com.