Helen Luella Williamson was born on October 6, 1915 to William and Olava Williamson on the family farm located between Centuria and Milltown, Wisconsin. She was the eighth of nine children, all of whom attended the rural South Milltown School. Helen was confirmed in the North Valley Lutheran Church in 1929. She attended Milltown High School, graduating in the spring of 1934. After completing business courses at Minneapolis Business College., she worked as a bookkeeper for Walman Optical Company from 1935 to 1939. On March 26, 1939, Helen was married to Harvey Hellerud of Milltown, Wisconsin, and the couple began farming near Center City, Minnesota. They later relocated to farms near Cylon, Wisconsin, and Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, before purchasing a dairy farm near Milltown in 1953.

Helen and Harvey were blessed with five children during their marriage. They operated their dairy and sheep farm near Milltown until retirement in 1976, when they moved to St. Croix Falls. In 1980, they purchased a home in Taylors Falls, Minnesota where they were active in the local historical society and other civic organizations. As an accomplished pianist, Helen served her church and community with music throughout much of her life.

During retirement, Helen and Harvey traveled throughout North America, as well as England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand and Norway. Though enriched by their travels, they maintained a deep appreciation for the Wisconsin countryside and the fulfilling life it had provided them..

Helen Hellerud passed away at the Willow Ridge Healthcare Center in Amery on December 20, 2010. She is survived by her daughter Margaret (Helmut) Behling of Andover, MA; daughter Susan Hellerud of Plymouth, Minnesota; daughter Sara (Mike) De Luca of Peachtree City, Georgia; son Ted Hellerud of Milltown, Wisconsin; daughter Priscilla (Jim) Fjorden of Milltown, Wisconsin; nine grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. Many relatives, friends and admirers will long remember Helen's generosity, optimism, industry, compassion, and selfless devotion to family and community.

A memorial service will be held at North Valley Lutheran Church on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 at 1:00 PM, with visitation one hour prior to services