Andrew Hellmers

Andrew (Andy) Dean Hellmers, 61, passed away January 21, 2025 in a Fargo, North Dakota hospital as a result of a massive stroke. 

A Celebration of Life will be held the summer.

Andy was born in 1963 in Renton, WA and lived there until he was seven-years-old when he and his family moved to Arlington, VA. They moved to Minnesota in 1975 and Andy loved farm/rural living. He attended Motley Public School; his favorite activity was FFA. He joined the MN National Guard in 1981, phasing into the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Hood, TX. He served until 1985 after a  short term  in Germany.

His hobbies included hunting, fishing, gardening, raising chickens as pets, bird feeding and caring for his lawn, of which he received many compliments. 

On the second Thursday in May 2010, he and his fiancé, Val Etzler of Cushing,  eloped and they celebrated their anniversary each year on the second Thursday in May. He worked a variety of jobs, primarily carpentering with his step-dad, which was his favorite work.

Andy had a personality that entertained people, could joke easily, was a generous guy and will be remembered as one who loved.

He is survived by his wife, Valerie Hellmers of Cushing; parents, Wally and Lillian Smith of Cushing; two brothers, Gary (Karen) Hellmers of Albert Lea and Tom (Sue) Hellmers of New Richmond, WI; one sister, Laurie (Kevin) Trout of Motley; five step-siblings, Kathy Gordon and Cindy (Dennis) Macheel, all of Motley; Ken Smith and Kevin Smith, both of Federal Way, WA; Wayne (Sinath) Smith of Auburn, WA; many nieces and nephews; lifetime friend Jeff Busse of AK and two cats, Mellow and Wild Child.

He was preceded in death by his father, George Hellmers; two aunts; one uncle; Val’s parents and one brother-in-law. 

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