Valerie J. "Val" Hellmers

1962 - 2025

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

Val was born July 11, 1962 to LeRoy and Betty (Oliver) Wood in Crosby, MN. The family moved from Riverton to Fawn Lake Township in Todd County. Val attended school in Staples and graduated high school in 1979. At age 18, she suffered a paralyzing auto accident which left 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 a mutual friend, Holly and married in 2010, "the second Thursday in May," an elopement facilitated by Val's cousin, Dawn.

Val loved country life, birds (her favorite hobby), enjoyed wild animals, but not raccoons, loved cats but hated dogs. Her hobbies included crocheting afghans, gardening, keeping family picture albums, cooking and baking (chocolate chip cookies, anyone?); she was not one to complain and an immaculate housekeeper. Val's 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.

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

Loved ones mourning her passing are siblings Peggy from Wyoming, Mike, Rick, David and Donnie from Iowa; many aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends.

Those who knew Val knew she was a private person, especially in recent years. Per her wishes, there will be no viewing. Graveside service for family and friends at Lakewood Cemetery in Crosby, MN held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 1 o'clock in the afternoon with a potluck hosted by family after the burial. www.taylorfunerals.com