Valerie Hellmers

Surrounded by family who loved her, Valerie (Wood) Hellmers, 63, passed away April 11, 2025 at Lakewood Health System Hospital, Staples.

Graveside services were held April 16 at Lakewood Cemetery in Crosby.

Val was born July 11, 1962 to LeRoy and Betty (Oliver) Wood in Crosby. The family moved from Riverton to Fawn Lake Township in Todd County. Val attended school in Staples, graduating high school in 1979. At age 18, she suffered a paralyzing auto accident leaving her a paraplegic. She worked a variety of desk jobs, the longest being at Fingerhut in St. Cloud. As her late husband described her, she was not handicapped but she was handi-able. Val and Andy Hellmers were introduced in 1984 by Holly, a mutual friend and they married in 2010, “the second Thursday in May”, an elopement facilitated  by Dawn, Val’s cousin. Val loved country life, birds (her favorite hobby), enjoyed wild animals, (except raccoons), loved cats but not dogs. Her hobbies included crocheting afghans, gardening, keeping family picture albums, cooking,  baking (chocolate chip cookies, anyone?). She was not one to complain and was an immaculate housekeeper. Vals’ cats, Mellow and Wild Child, meant the world to her and were lovingly spoiled by her.

 The family wishes to thank Val’s friends Anita and Bob for the wonderful, all encompassing care and attention they gave to Val in these last months.

Loved ones mourning her passing are one sister,  Peggy of Wyoming; four brothers, Mike, Rick, David and Donnie, all of Iowa; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceding Val in death were her husband, Andy in January 2025; parents and one brother, Kevin.  

Arrangements are by Taylor Funeral Home, Staples.

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