Kenneth Helgeland

Dates

Obituary

Kenneth “Kenny” Dean Helgeland, 70, of Mt. Vernon, SD, went to his heavenly home Monday, February 2, 2026, at Edgewood Memory Care in Mitchell. Visitation will be Thursday, February 5, from 5-7:00 PM at Bittner Funeral Chapel with a 6:30 PM prayer service. Burial will be at Mt. Vernon Cemetery.

Kenny was born September 21st, 1955, in Mitchell, SD to Maynard and Mildred (Pollard) Helgeland. He grew up in Mitchell attending school in Mitchell, until he and his family moved to Council Bluffs Iowa in 1972. Kenny graduated from Lewis Central High School in 1975. He also graduated from Mitchell Technical Institute in 1985 with a plumbing degree.

Kenny worked most of his life as a custodian. He spent many years as an unofficial landscaper for many family members. He also spent many years caring for and assisting his mother with whatever she needed.

Kenny loved traveling and was ALWAYS up for a road trip. He hardly missed a local sporting event and always enjoyed supporting his many nieces and nephews in various activities. He also enjoyed going to DWU basketball games. He loved going out to eat at various restaurants, typically ordering his usual chicken tenders and ice cream. Kenny also loved a crisp Dr. Pepper. He loved cats, kittens, vintage cars, car shows, the Game Show Network and Major League Baseball. He enjoyed his outings with Bob the last year the most, he looked forward to the drives and the time spent with family.

Kenny is survived by his sister, Lori (Dave) Renken of Mt. Vernon; brother, Steve (Wanda) Helgeland of Yankton, SD; aunt, Roberta Olsen of Mt. Vernon; his beloved uncle and best friend, Robert Pollard of Mt. Vernon; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews who will all miss him dearly.

Kenny was preceded in death by his grandparents, Vince and Maude Pollard, and parents, Maynard Helgeland, Millie Gritzmacher and Lester “Dutch” Gritzmacher.

Visitation(s)

Cemetery