Rolland "Butch" Ray Helkenn

Rolland "Butch" Helkenn, 86, of Sundance, Wyoming entered fully into the presence of his Lord and Savior on March 27th, 2024.

Butch was born on January 14th, 1938 in Clark, South Dakota to Edward and LaVerne (Kruthoff) Helkenn. He grew up with four brothers, one sister and one uncle on the home place located in Fordham Township. He attended Fordham Elementary and Logan High School where he met his wife, Betty Marie Carter. They married on October 11th, 1956 and shortly thereafter moved to their own family farm located one mile east and one mile south of "over home". They began their life together working a dairy and doing what Butch loved the most – farming and ranching. It was on this farm that they raised three sons and two daughters. From 1987 through 2011 Butch worked together with his son, Brian while also working for a local farmer in Raymond South Dakota. He retired in 2013 and moved to Sundance, Wyoming with his family.

Butch enjoyed sports. He played basketball in High School and his favorite sport was baseball. After high school he played softball and always watched his favorite baseball team – the New York Yankees. Butch loved tractors (Potato Days), grilling, a good western book, country music, fishing, gardening and Joe's fried chicken. Butch most looked forward to the yearly family camping trip in the Black Hills, which even his grown children and their families continued to tag along on, even long after leaving home.

Butch is survived by his wife, Betty, Sundance, Wyoming; son Brian (Jill), Cotopaxi, Colorado; daughter Tami, Rapid City, South Dakota; daughter Carmen, (Tom), Denver, Colorado; son Wade (Jami), Sundance, Wyoming; son Ted, Sundance, Wyoming; 14 "Dirty Birds" grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; brother Dale and sister-in-law LaVonne Helkenn; sisters-in-law Carolyn and Joyce and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and LaVerne Helkenn; brothers/sisters-in-law Wayne/Mary Helkenn, Gene Helkenn, Norman Helkenn, Arlyn (Um) Helkenn; sister Patsy Wallum and uncle Art Helkenn.

A funeral Mass will be held at St Joseph Catholic Church in Spearfish, South Dakota on April 12th, 2024 at 10 am followed by a reception; all are welcome.  Visitation and rosary will begin at 9 am at the church.  A private burial will be held at a later time.

Condolences can be sent to Betty Helkenn, PO Box 875, Sundance, Wyoming 82729.

When I am Gone

When I am gone, release me, let me go.

I have so many things to see and do,

You mustn't tie yourself to me with too many tears,

But be thankful we had so many good years.

I gave you my love, and you can only guess

How much you've given me in happiness.

I thank you for the love that you have shown,

But now it is time I traveled on alone.

So, grieve me for a while, if grieve you must,

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It is only for a while that we must part,

So, treasure the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away for life goes on.

And if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can't see or touch me, you'll hear,

And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear,

All my love around you soft and clear.

And then when you come this way alone,

I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home".

Pallbearers will be: Nicole Clay, Kelly Ritz, Matthew Bartos, Cody Bartos, Jared Helkenn, Rebecca Clay, Skyler Helkenn, Alec Dewes, Tanner Helkenn, Lindsey Helkenn, Travis Dewes, Wyatt Helkenn, Elyse Helkenn, Samantha Helkenn. Honorary Pallbearers will be Rolland's great grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Roberts & Isburg Funeral Chapel of Sundance, SD where there is an online registry at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com .

Furness Funeral Home is placing the obituary as a courtesy to the family and also have an online registry at www.furnessfuneralhome.com.