Leonard Matthew Heltemes

Leonard Matthew Heltemes, age 83, died Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Detroit Lakes, MN.

Leonard was born December 7, 1942, in Wadene, MN to Leonard C. and Mabel Heltemes. He attended Sebeka Public School and graduated in 1961. He then attended the Waden Area Vocational Institute and attained a degree of Electronic Technician. He then enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard for a six-year stint.

He married Sue Ann Klemaseski in Little Falls, MN in 1966 and they celebrated 60 years of marriage in February of this year. They raised two sons, Russell and Thad.

Len worked at various jobs at Camp Ripley-he was a radio repairman, controlled data as a Research Lad Technician, Plant Manager at Rudolph Englemann Lab, and for the rest of his career, Northwestern Bell Telephone and the company’s various name changes for 35 years, and other part time jobs.

He was a proud member of his union, where he held positions of President, Treasurer, and Union Steward over the years. He worked as a Real Estate agent for 3 years and also installed heating systems for a couple of years.

His hobbies included, gardening, camping, fishing, traveling, wood working and lapidary.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, his son Russell, sisters; Diane Heltemes, Darlene Uselman and brother Keith Heltemes.