Irvin S. Hellen

Monday, October 28, 2019 1:33 pm

Irvin S. Hellen, 87, of Ridgeway, died Friday morning, Oct. 25, 2019, at Patty Elwood Center in Cresco. Visitation is from 4 to p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, at Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah. Private family burial will be later at Lincoln Lutheran Cemetery, rural Ridgeway.

Irvin S. Hellen was born Oct. 21, 1932, to Iver and Sarah (Albertson) Hellen at their home near Spillville.

He graduated from Ridgeway High School in 1950. He joined the U.S. Army in 1952. Following his service in the Army, Irvin returned to Ridgeway, and farmed with his dad.

He was united in marriage to Barbara Somers July 19, 1958, at the Lincoln Lutheran Church in Ridgeway.

Irvin worked at Wisconsin Dairies in the cheese processing plant in Decorah for 24 years and retired thereafter.

Irvin’s hobbies included reading, vegetable and flower gardening, fishing and putting puzzles together. He was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and loved country music.

Irvin is survived by his wife, Barbara; his son Bruce (Renee) Hellen; his three daughters: Angie (Al) Jestrab, Christie Herzan, Carla (Galen) Ihrke; his nine grandchildren: Stacie (Erik) De L’Etoile, Jennie (Josh) Janjua, Amanda Jestrab, Elizabeth Jestrab, Mitch Herzan, Julia Herzan, Jacob Herzan, Kaitlyn Ihrke and Gabi Ihrke; his two great-granddaughters, Dahlia and Brielle De L’Etoile.

Irvin was preceded in death by his parents, Iver and Sarah Hellen.

Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah is serving the family.

Online condolences may be made at fjelstul.com.