Obituary of Orville Leslie Helland

Orville “Orv” Leslie Helland, age 82, succumbed to COVID on Nov 21, 2020.

Quick to laugh, help a friend in need, or volunteer his time, Orv will be remembered by those he touched in so many ways. He loved family gatherings, always offering to bring his special recipes. He was a hard worker with a strong work ethic, often working multiple jobs at the same time, volunteering in-between, and working right up until his final whistle. He thoroughly enjoyed being approached by people who he had coached throughout the years when they saw him out and about.

Orv worked for 43 years at the Duluth Mesabi & Iron Range Railroad, starting as a janitor at the age of 17 and retiring at 62 as the lead carman. He was working for Attic Corrections Inc. as a case manager for a halfway house in Duluth for the last 15 years of his life.

Orv was very dedicated to the values and mission of the Loyal Order of Moose and Mooseheart. He served as administrator for both the Proctor and Superior Lodges as well as governor multiple times. He was extremely honored when he recognized as a Pilgrim of the Order and achieved his gold blazer.

He dedicated decades of his life to supporting youth sports. He started coaching hockey when his son was 4 years old and continued long past the time Randy joined school teams, continuing to coach the neighborhood kids. He went from teaching kids to skate at Harrison and Wheeler Community Clubs to being instrumental in establishing Peterson Arena as an indoor ice rink for hockey. He managed Peterson Arena for years, even having his wife and kids run the concession stand for tournaments. But he did not stop at hockey, he coached baseball and football as well, even having been there at the start of an NFL player’s career.

He was predeceased by his daughter Sandi Demars, grandson James McEwan, granddaughter Tricia Swapinski, and brother-in-law Bernard O’Leary.

He was survived by his spouse of 30 years Beverly Helland, his sisters Lorraine O’Leary, Georgeanne Krause, Kathy (Roger) Vanderscheuren, Candy Peterson, his children Diane (Joe) Nelson, Bonnie (Scott) McEwan, Randy Helland (Kerri Hauser), four grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Due to the current pandemic, a celebration of his life has been planned for this summer when people can safely gather. Please join us at the Proctor Moose, 415 3rd Ave, on Saturday July 17 at 1:00 pm for a celebration of both his life and his beloved wife Beverly’s.  Memorial donations can be sent to Denfeld Junior Football League, Irving Football Field, 20 South 57th Ave W., Duluth, MN 55806.