Andrew Dean "Andy" Hellmers

Andrew "Andy" Dean Hellmers, age 61, passed away January 21, 2025 in a Fargo, ND hospital as a result of a massive stroke.

Andy was born in 1963 in Renton, WA and lived there until he was 7 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 with his favorite activity being FFA. He joined the MN National Guard in 1981 and phased into regular 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, for which he received lots of compliments. On the second Thursday in May 2010, he and his fiancé, Val Etzler of Cushing, MN, eloped and they celebrated their anniversary each year on the second Thursday in May.

He worked a variety of jobs, mostly 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 was preceded in death by his father George Hellmers, two aunts, one uncle, Val's parents, and a brother-in-law.

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

There will be a Celebration of Life in the summer.