Darrell E. Helgens
October 19, 1934 — January 22, 2018
Darrell E. Helgens, 83, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died peacefully on Monday, January 22, 2018, at Cottage Grove Place. Visitation: 4 – 7 p.m. Friday, January 26, 2018, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids. Funeral Service: 10 a.m. Saturday, January 27, 2018, at St. George Orthodox Church, 3650 Cottage Grove Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids. Burial will take place at Wayne Zion Cemetery in Monticello, Iowa.
Darrell was born October 19, 1934, to Eduard and Anna Louisa (Gerdes) Helgens, in Monticello, Iowa. He graduated from Monticello High School where he was Homecoming King and an outstanding athlete, lettering in multiple sports. Earning a football scholarship, he entered and graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in animal science and husbandry in 1957. It was there he made many lifelong friends. With every ounce of his being, Darrell was a devoted “loyal son, forever true” of Iowa State University. He married Goldie Karagunis on July 22, 1961.
He was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) Fraternity, Cyclone Club, ISU Livestock Judging Team, Future Farmers of America, and Optimist Club. He had a forty-plus year career in the agri-business industry. He was a former board member of his church and served on the Marion Independent School Board. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, reading, movies and history as well as following his favorite sports teams, the Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Vikings, and his beloved Cyclones.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Goldie, and three daughters and their families; Heidi (Dr. Terry) Sarantou of Charlotte, North Carolina, Jana (Dr. Ronald) Rittgers of Valparaiso, Indiana, and Dena (Christ) Angelos of Minneapolis, Minnesota; grandchildren, Marina, John, Alec, Blake, Owen, Pericles, Constantine, Sophia; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Galen.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Cottage Grove Gardens for their loving and compassionate care.
Memorials may be directed to ISU Foundation or the donor’s choice.
Darrell was born October 19, 1934, to Eduard and Anna Louisa (Gerdes) Helgens, in Monticello, Iowa. He graduated from Monticello High School where he was Homecoming King and an outstanding athlete, lettering in multiple sports. Earning a football scholarship, he entered and graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in animal science and husbandry in 1957. It was there he made many lifelong friends. With every ounce of his being, Darrell was a devoted “loyal son, forever true” of Iowa State University. He married Goldie Karagunis on July 22, 1961.
He was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) Fraternity, Cyclone Club, ISU Livestock Judging Team, Future Farmers of America, and Optimist Club. He had a forty-plus year career in the agri-business industry. He was a former board member of his church and served on the Marion Independent School Board. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, reading, movies and history as well as following his favorite sports teams, the Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Vikings, and his beloved Cyclones.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Goldie, and three daughters and their families; Heidi (Dr. Terry) Sarantou of Charlotte, North Carolina, Jana (Dr. Ronald) Rittgers of Valparaiso, Indiana, and Dena (Christ) Angelos of Minneapolis, Minnesota; grandchildren, Marina, John, Alec, Blake, Owen, Pericles, Constantine, Sophia; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Galen.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Cottage Grove Gardens for their loving and compassionate care.
Memorials may be directed to ISU Foundation or the donor’s choice.
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