RAPID CITY - Dell Hellekson, 88, died August 20, 2009 at his home in Rapid City with family at his side. Dell was born January 25, 1921 at Faith, SD to Oscar and Eliza Hellekson. He attended rural grade schools and graduated from Faith High School in 1939. After high school, Dell ranched south of Faith with his parents until joining the Navy in 1942. He graduated with high honors from electrical training at Iowa State College and obtained Petty Officer rank. After additional training at Gyro Compass School in Treasure Island, California, Dell served his country as a shipboard electrician assigned to the USS Gear in the Pacific Ocean. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946. He then moved to Rapid City and worked as an electrician with Baumgartner Electric and then with Civil Service at EAFB until his retirement in 1979. Dell spent his retirement years gardening, assisting with all sorts of "projects" for civic organizations, neighbors and anyone who asked for his help, bicycle riding or playing whist with his buddies. He fully enjoyed visiting with family and friends and lived life to the fullest. He was content to watch others participate in activities but soon was compelled to join in the action, ready to try anything (such as boogie boarding or the nail game). Family and community alike were touched by Dell's presence. Each grandchild benefited from a special relationship with their grandpa - sometimes fishing, playing cribbage and whist, watching baseball, camping or setting up a practical joke. Family members shared many laughs over the mongoose and the whoopee stick. Casual acquaintances became friends and friends were made for life. He enjoyed sharing the garden produce he grew at the community gardens as well as the many friends he made in the gardening community. He was known for his golden raspberries and abundant rhubarb patch and delighted in watching his grapevines produce large clusters. The Catholic faith was part of everyday life for Dell and he quietly led by example. He was an active member of Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Council 1489 of Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, Retired Senior Volunteer Program and Minneluzahan Senior Center. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Dell celebrated 58 years of marriage with his wife, Mary Helen (Eixenberger) and raised five children. He is survived by his wife, Mary, daughter, Carolyn Gross (Gary), Rapid City, son, Douglas (Sheila), Billings, MT, daughter, Audrey Konechne (James), Kimball, SD, son, Robert (Janet), South Jordan, UT, son, Carl (Nancy), Rapid City, 17 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, three sisters and one grandchild. Visitation will be from 2 PM until 3 PM. Sunday, Aug. 23rd, with a Christian Wake Service at 3 PM, at Our Lady Chapel at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 3 PM Monday, Aug.24th at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help with Rev. Michel Mulloy and Rev. Bill Zandri presiding. Interment with military honors provided by Rushmore VFW Post 1273 and the So.Dak. Natl. Guard will be at the Pine Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to St. Thomas More High School or Hospice of the Hills