In Loving Memory
Leslie "Les" J. Hellickson
November 16, 1946 - May 18, 2024

VISITATION
Saturday, May 25, 2024
1:00 - 2:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa

SERVICE
Saturday, May 25, 2024
2:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa

CLERGY
Rev. Judy DePue

INTERMENT
Ellington Cemetery
Mallard, Iowa

Leslie "Les" Joseph Hellickson, son of Glenn and Dorothy (Williams) Hellickson, was born November 16, 1946 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He received his education in the Havelock-Plover Community School, graduating from high school in 1966.

Following high school, Les enlisted in the United States Air Force entering into service on July 19, 1966, serving overseas for several years. Throughout his career in the military, Les was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina, Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha and then Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.  He spent a short time in South Dakota and then returned to Eielson AFB in Alaska where he spent several years until retiring after 23 years of service.  Les was honorably discharged  on October 31, 1989.

Les obtained the rank of Technical Sergeant and performed highly complex technical duties, primarily in the Fire Protection System. Les upheld the responsibility to ensure the safety of  people, property, and the environment. He not only cared for his fellow soldiers, but civilians worldwide as well.

Les was united in marriage to Donita Schutz on May 5, 2003 in West Bend, Iowa.  They have made their home in Curlew since their marriage.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and watching eagles. He liked doing mechanical work and driving bus. He was very proud of being a fire fighter. Les loved his children and grandchildren, and cherished any time he spent with them.  He was also a fan of western movies and had a great affection for those with special needs.

Les passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at St. Luke's Lutheran Home in Spencer, Iowa, at the age of 77. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Dorothy and two brothers, Bob Hellickson and Stan Hellickson.

He is survived by his wife, Donita Hellickson of Curlew, Iowa; children, Michelle (Dustin) Hellickson of Ottawa, Kansas, Rob (Dawn) Hellickson of North Pole, Alaska, John (Carly) Hellickson of Larkspur, Colorado, Tena Galemore of Fairbanks, Alaska, Tricia (Stephen) Foster of Peyton, Colorado, Joey (Ashley) Hellickson of Emmetsburg, Iowa, Paula Stoker of Jackson Minnesota, Kristy (Gary) Schany of Curlew, Iowa and Shannon (Jim) Lewis of Mallard, Iowa; 22 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; brother, Paul Hellickson of Plover, Iowa; sister, Peggy Lewis of Cylinder, Iowa; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home