Alvin Helland

WHALAN, MINN. – Alvin C. Helland, 82, of Whalan, Minn. died Thursday, December 05, 2002, at the Preston Good Samaritan Care Center in Preston, Minn. Alvin was born on April 26, 1920, in Highland, Minn. to Carl and Tilla (Flattum) Helland. He was raised in the in the Highland and Whalan area. Alvin married Helen Myer in 1939. They were later divorced. He married Mabel Odegarden in 1953. They were later divorced. Alvin married LaVelle Feine in 1972, LaVelle died in 1993. He farmed until 1946, at which time he bought and operated the Whalan Grocery Store. Alvin then was a road construction worker which he did until his retirement in the early 1980s. Alvin enjoyed hunting and raising exotic animals. He was a member of the Whalan Lutheran Church in Whalan and the Sons of Norway in Lanesboro, Minn. Alvin is survived by two sons: Ardell (Beverly) Helland of Edgerton, Wis. and Robert Helland of Gurnee, Ill.; one daughter, Mary Lou (Raymond) Murray of Gurnee, Ill.; 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers, and one sister. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 9, at the Whalan Lutheran Church with the Rev. Paul Johnson officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, at Hoff Funeral Homes – Rushford Chapel and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.