Duane Helland was born September 11, 1919 in Brodhead, WI, the son of Leonard Leroy and Helen Leona (Gingrich) Helland and departed this life peacefully at his home on February 6, 2008 after a lengthy illness. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 67 years, Susan, and his daughters and sons-in-law. Duane and Susan graduated from Juda High School in 1937. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving until 1940. Duane and Susan Jane Preston were married on May 4, 1941 on her family farm in rural Juda. Following their marriage they lived in Waukesha where he worked for Holland Furnace Co. until reenlisting in the Navy after Pearl Harbor. He initially served off the coast of Panama and later as a Fire Chief and Safety Engineer at the Corpus Cristi, TX Naval Air Station. After receiving his honorable discharge from the Navy, Duane went into business with his father in what became known as L.L. Helland and Son Co. grocery store. That business later evolved into Helland's Food and Locker Service, Inc., a grocery store and meat processing plant from which he retired in 1989. He and Susan, with their children's help, also owned a farm raising hogs, beef, buffalo and crops. Duane loved visiting with family and friends, hunting with his dogs, camping when the kids were young, white water rafting and trips to Alaska. He was active in the Juda community in various capacities including serving on the Juda school board, former Juda volunteer fire chief, taught Sunday School at the Juda Zion EUB Church, served on the Bank of Juda Board of Directors, Past President of the Juda Sanitary District, and was on the Board of the Certified Grocers Assoc.

Survivors include his wife, Susan Helland of Juda; six daughters, Sandra (Bob) Buss of Gratiot, Bette (Tony) Reynolds of Monroe, Peggy Helland of Argyle, Diane Helland of Juda, Linda Helland of Monroe, and Deena (Michael) Buol of New Glarus; a grandson, Michael Duane (Kaia) McGuire of Willard, WI; four great-grandchildren, Stephen, Kimberly, Lori, and Aaron McGuire all of Willard, WI; close family friends, Chris Langemo and Diane Schwartz; two brothers, one sister, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister.

A celebration of Duane's life will be held on Sunday, February 24, 2008 from 1 p.m until 4 p.m. at the Juda Community Center. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in his name to the Apostolate to the Handicapped. The NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, Monroe, is assisting the family. To sign the guest book or send a condolence go to www.newcomerfuneralhome.net

Duane will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.