Larry Dean Helling

Larry Dean Helling, 78, passed away unexpectedly at Memorial Hospital Gulfport in Mississippi on May 25, 2023 during a pacemaker procedure.

He was a resident of Diamondhead, MS (formerly of Pass Christian), but was a midwestern Minnesota boy for his entire life. Larry was born and raised in Glenwood, MN and then raised his family in Brooklyn Park, MN before moving south to oversee the construction and prepare for the opening of Casino Magic Bay St. Louis, MS in 1992 as director of support services.

He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 55 years, Jeanne Helling; much loved daughter, Kari Helling; son-in-law and friend, Andrew Sachariason; favorite granddaughters, Edie and Nora Sachariason; dear sister, Gloria Fusaro; and numerous beloved in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Among his hobbies were a lifelong love of hunting and the fellowship of those families and the “hoo-rahs” around the campfire in Montevideo, MN; his favorite sloughs of Pope County for pheasant and duck; and visiting and deer hunting at the Hauge Farm in Sedan. Many summers (and winters) spent fishing with his buddies catching stringers of fish you just can’t believe! And, while he was never officially in a band – he loved to sing with any band that would let him. Growing up as the son of a blacksmith, Larry could fix (almost) anything and enjoyed his garage full of tools and his TV. During the summers in Brooklyn Park you could find him outdoors in the backyard enjoying time with his neighbors and great friends (young and old) where everyone was always welcome.

Larry’s points of pride and accolades included serving in the Air Force Reserves, participation in the Jaycees in the Twin Cities, and as a founding member of Pheasants Forever proudly serving on the original board of directors. He was an award-winning top sales executive at Digital Equipment Corp. He was a graduate of Glenwood High School plus spent a few years of college at the University of Minnesota Morris and Minneapolis as well as some time at St. Cloud State University.

Larry started his career as a kid helping his dad at the gas station, worked as a surveyor for Pope County, First National Bank of Minneapolis, Digital Equipment Corporation, Casino Magic Corp. (Bay St. Louis and Biloxi, MS plus Nueqeun and San Martin de los Andes in Argentina) – so many great adventures! In early retirement he also worked for Young Electric Sign Co. and worked for the U.S. Census Bureau as an enumerator in 2000 and 2010 – many stories to tell!

The family wishes to thank the Riemann Family Funeral Homes for their kindness and early arrangements. You may sign the online register book for the Helling family at: riemannfamily.com.

Larry’s final resting place and inurnment ceremony will be at Chippewa Falls Lutheran Church in Terrace, MN on Sunday, July 23rd at 2:00 p.m. for family and close friends that wish to attend. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following at 4:00 p.m. at the Lakeside Ballroom in Glenwood, MN. All friends and family are welcome.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family.