Candise "Candy" Verna Helleson

Candise “Candy” Verna (Lutz) Helleson, age 65, of Park Rapids, MN, passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at her home. 

Candy Lutz was born on March 4, 1959, and was raised in St. Paul, MN, with her parents, Wayne and Iva (Saxe) Lutz. She graduated from Johnson High School in St. Paul, MN and later received her CNA. She lived all over the US, settling in Park Rapids, MN, in 1994. On May 1, 1999, she was united in marriage to Paul Helleson in Park Rapids. Throughout her working career she enjoyed being a caregiver, first in a long-term care facility and then as a daycare provider. In her free time, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, going to her grandbabie's (as she always called her grandchildren) sporting/school events or watching the events online, doing crafts with her children and grandbabies, watching the Vikings, General Hospital and gameshows, listening to music, and going dancing. 

Candy is survived by her husband, Paul Helleson; children, Risa Luna, Monica (Jason) Merickel, and Aaron (Marah Larson) Helleson; 5 grandchildren, Jadon, Jera, and Hailey Petrie and Taylor and Weston Merickel; and sisters, Alana (Dan) Romanowski, Lin (David) O’Connor, Cindy (Mike) LaClair, and Kelly (Tony) Hoeke; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and infant brother and sister.