Obituary of Bennie H. Helland
Bennie H. Helland, age 89, of Morris, IL passed from this life unexpectedly Thursday, February 25, 2021. He was born May 10, 1931 in Morris, the son of Bennie and Helen (Johnson) Helland. He attended Seneca High School and graduated with the Class of 1949 from Morris Community High School.
Bennie served in the US Army from 1953-1955, stationed in Heidelberg, Germany assigned to the 964th Engineer Company. He was awarded the National Service Medal and Army of Occupation Medal.
Bennie married Eleanor Toftoy on December 10, 1955 in Newark, IL. He farmed in LaSalle and Kendall Counties from 1956 until 1963. He had a love for farmland.
Bennie also worked as a Local 150 Operating Engineer at the AASHO Interstate 80 test road from 1956-1958, and later at the construction of the Dresden Nuclear Power Station. In 1963, Bennie, along with his wife, Eleanor, founded Newark Truck and Tractor, an International Harvester farm equipment dealership in Newark. Later, he also owned Newark Ford and also conducted large farm equipment auctions for many years in Newark. In 1977, he obtained his pilot’s license, at the age of 46, and enjoyed flying his airplanes for many years. He was currently operating Newark Truck and Tractor in Morris. He enjoyed spending time at Woman Lake in Minnesota, and Helland Lake in Morris. Bennie and Eleanor traveled throughout the USA and overseas.
Bennie was constantly on the go and never missed an event. Above all else he enjoyed his family, grandchildren and many great friends.
Preceded in death by his parents; brother, Joseph Helland; brothers-in-law, Harold, Orrin, Norman and Ralph Toftoy; sisters-in-law, Lois Helland, Marian, Jane, Mary Jane, Darlene and Joan Toftoy.
Survived by his wife of 65 years, Eleanor Helland; daughter, Rhonda (Alan) Duttlinger; son Rolf (Lori) Helland; granddaughters, Erica (Steven) Rath, Samantha and Lexi Helland; great grandchildren, Hailey and Emmett; brother, Alvin Helland; brother-in-law, Clarence Toftoy; sisters-in-law, Jeanne Toftoy and Jan Helland; step grandchildren, Angela Girard, Jason Duttlinger and Nathan Duttlinger; step great grandchildren, Tyler, Isaac, Grace, Nathan and Sam; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Also surviving are dear family friends, Brent and Zoe Price, and Tom and Polly Cutler and families, dedicated employees for over 40 years of Newark Ford and Newark Truck and Tractor.
Visitation for Mr. Helland will be held Sunday February 28, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 1201 W. Route 6, (at Deerpath Dr.), Morris.
Funeral services will be held privately at Stavanger Lutheran Church. Rev. Philip Peterson will officiate. Interment will follow in Stavanger Lutheran Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Trenton Toftoy, David Toftoy, Matt Toftoy, Brent Price, Tom Cutler and Bill Myre. Honorary Pallbearer will be Robert Toftoy.
In lieu of flowers memorials in his name can be made to Stavanger Lutheran Church or the charity of the donors choice.
For more information please call (815) 942-5040 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
