Arden Helling, age 87, of Mentor, MN, died Saturday, February 6, 2016, surrounded by family at the Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND.

Arden Walter Helling, the youngest son of Oscar and Bertha (Rono) Helling was born at home on November 16, 1928, in Hanska, MN. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lake Hanska Lutheran Church. Arden grew up on the Helling farm and attended District #54 country school and graduated from the New Ulm High School in 1946. He served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1946-1947. Arden enjoyed his time in the Navy and loved sharing memories of his duties on the USS Wisconsin and the USS Missouri and his travels around the world. In the mid-1950's Arden bought land near Bejou, MN and he farmed there until 1996. His mother, Bertha Helling lived with Arden on the farm for many years. Arden then bought a small hobby farm near Mentor MN and raised cattle and hay until his death.

Arden had many interests besides farming. He was an avid reader, and he never stopped learning about new things and new places. He was an accomplished musician and played many instruments. He had a soft spot for animals and took extra special care of all the animals he raised through his lifetime. Arden never married or had children of his own but he always made time for his extended family and rarely missed any family celebrations or gatherings. He was a beloved Uncle, Great Uncle, and Great Great Uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Arden is survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Bertha Helling, four brothers, James, Orville, Millard, and Lawrence as an infant; three sisters, Loretta Bentdahl, Delores Heller and June Gieseke.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 5, 2016, at 11:00am at the Bethel Assembly Church in Fosston, MN.

Inurnment will be held at a later date at the Lake Hanska Lutheran Cemetery near Hanska, MN.