Donald Ernest Helgestad's Obituary
Life Legacy
Donald E. Helgestad, 73, of Deltona, FL passed away unexpectedly in his sleep at his home on December 25, 2015. He was born on October 16, 1942 in Edgerton, WI, son of the late Casper and Elizabeth Helgestad.
Don grew up in Edgerton and graduated form Edgerton High School in 1961, attended UW Whitewater, graduated from Milton College with a broad field science major. He taught at St. Joseph’s Preparatory College for a couple of years while attending UW Platteville to earn an Industrial Arts degree to teach auto mechanics at the Edgerton High School where he mentored many students. While teaching at EHS he worked with CAUS in negotiating teacher contracts. In the late 70’s he and a friend quit teaching to build new homes and small office buildings.
Don, now ex-wife Helen and their daughter Christy moved to Deltona, FL in 1983 to be with his mother who could no longer live alone. He worked as a carpenter for Universal Construction for a couple of years and then became self-employed doing handy man work. Don worked for Stewart-Marchman-Act Behavioral Healthcare for about 12 years as a maintenance engineer, retired in 2012 and had been doing handy man work ever since. Better known as “Deltona Don”, he especially enjoyed having coffee and visiting with his many friends at the local diner. Don was a friend to everyone and was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
While going to college in the 60’s Don was a mechanic for two different stock car drivers and went to all the local tracks, sometimes four times a week. In the 70’s he was interested in motorcycles and rebuilt a couple of Harley choppers and enjoyed riding with a group of friends. He was a Packer and Cubs fan for life, enjoyed following golfer Steve Stricker, loved reading ads in Craigslist, figuring out the odds for dog races, working in his yard and spending time with his family and friends. He and Beverly, his long time girl friend, have been grandparents to two lively boxers over the past 5 years. He knew every boxer in the neighborhood and got plenty of exercise with their daily walks.
Don is survived by his girlfriend Beverly and her son Shawn, daughter Christy and ex-wife Helen all of Deltona, and a brother Boyd Walker of Fort Myers, FL plus nieces and nephews.
The Baldauff Funeral Home, Orange City, FL is assisting with funeral arrangements. A gathering for friends and family will be held on Wednesday, December 30, from 4-6 pm at Good Eats Diner, 1200 Deltona Boulevard, Deltona, FL 32725 to celebrate his life.
Don was the best and most loved father and partner and will be missed greatly. He will always be remembered by his family and friends as someone special.
At this time we ask that you do not send flowers.
What’s your fondest memory of Donald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donald?
Share a story where Donald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald you’ll never forget.
How did Donald make you smile?