Larry Helgason

ROCK FALLS-Larry Lee Helgason, 72, of Rock Falls died peacefully with congestive heart failure and kidney failure, Sunday, May 12, 2019, at St. Joseph Hospital, Bloomington IL. He is an organ and tissue doner. Larry was born November 22, 1946 in Kansas City, Missouri, son of Harry and Joydeane (Brown) Helgason. He married Barbara Cramer on February 13, 1971 in Marshfield, WI. Larry graduated from Rock Falls High School in 1965 where he was 3rd in state for wrestling and the quarterback for the football team. He earned his Bachelors from University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1970. He taught elementary education starting in 1970 and then was drafted into the United States Army from 1971 - 1974. He returned to Rock Falls and taught until he retired in 2003. He coached wrestling and football at Rock Falls High School and Rock Falls Middle School. He earned his Masters at National-Louis University in 2000. He was a member of the Illinois Education Association, Optimist Club and Sterling American Legion. He was an avid Packer fan and Rock Falls fan. He enjoyed boating, golfing and loved animals. Survivors include his wife, Barbara of Rock Falls; one sister, Susan Helgason-Gray; one daughter, Ericka J. (Troy) Prescott of Bloomington and one grandson, Hayes Lee Prescott. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be from 12PM-3PM Sunday, May 19, 2019 at Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling with a memorial service immediately following. Reverend Erik Anderson officiating, of New Life Lutheran Church, and full military rights. Cremation rites have been accorded and burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Rock Fall Happy Tails, Sterling American Legion and Rock Falls Optimist Club. The Helgason Rock Falls Scholarship will be established. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.