Sylvester Henry Hellevang

Les Hellevang, 78, passed away August 21, 2024. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, 900 Butler-Spaeth Road, Gillette, WY, Friday August 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. Father Steve Titus will officiate. Sylvester Henry (Les) Hellevang was born June 24, 1946, to Melvin and Dorothy Hellevang. Les and his sister Betty, raised by their Grandparents, lived in Webster, SD. He was always humble and grateful for his upbringing. Les graduated from Waubay High School in 1964. Education was a priority. He earned several Master’s and Certifications from various universities. During this time, he met and married his wife, Lois Ann Parquet, and they created their family of five children in between square dancing, playing bridge, camping, being active in the church and swim team. His love of learning continued after retirement. He was enrolled in college classes in Hawaii prior to his death. Les was a lifelong learner. He raised their five children with the importance of furthering their education and to never cease learning. Les’ first teaching position and contribution began in 1968 in Business Education. He transitioned into Administration in 1970’s and would eventually become a Principal in Revillo, SD. In 1980, the family made a final move to Gillette, WY. Les held various positions in Campbell County School District during his 23 years of employment. Education was his driving force. One of his proudest accomplishments was his development of the Alternative School (Westwood) and the students that attended. He built the school from the ground up. He was the “King of Second Chances, and never gave up on anybody.” He created a grant and daycare so students could come to school and have a safe place for their children while they completed their education. Les created a functional school with teachers who saw the students, taught life skills, and told students they could and should succeed. After retiring, Les was active in Gillette, opening a booth that was filled with pottery and odds and ends; he loved thrift shopping. He taught all of his children, and some of his grandchildren, driving by going to the local thrift shops. Les loved playing bridge and knew where the cards were in every hand. Les was a member of the Levi and Lace Square Dance Club and if you had the opportunity to dance with him, you knew it was like floating on air. For the last two years, he transplanted to AZ for a Square-Dancing Community from November through April. June 26-30, 2024, he attended a square dance convention for 6 hours daily. He had the time of his life. Les was active in the Knights of Columbus at St. Matthew’s Church as a 4th Degree Knight, when he was not traveling worldwide. His favorite place was Hawaii and he completed a long-desired Holy Land Cruise last fall. Words to sum up Les’ life: Devout, love of family, caring of others, and giver. His legacy will continue with his sons: James, Mark, David (Sarah), Daughters: Elise Buhler-Hanslip (Leonard), Kathy (Greg). Grandchildren: Coulter (Chandler), Maria, Paul, Reagan, and Austin. Sister: Betty Froslie, nieces Beverly and Sandra (Ryan) Lamar. In-Laws that have treated Les and embraced him like a brother: Betty & Tim Weber, Mary & Dave Larson, Tom Parquet, and Chuck Parquet, along with their children and thirteen great nieces and nephews. Les was preceded in death by his wife, Lois, in-laws Harold and Hazel Parquet, sister-in-law Mary Parquet, grandparents John and Kate Thiel, brother-in-law Gary Froslie, Aunt Ella Hellevang, Uncle Henry Hellevang, and parents Melvin and Dorothy Hellevang. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF), Lung Cancer Foundation, Breast Cancer Foundation, Masses, or a charity of your choice.