Anton Helfrich

A Funeral Mass for Anton M.”Tony” Helfrich, 79, of Killdeer will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 13, 2012 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Killdeer with Father Darnis Selvanayakam celebrating. Burial will take place at 1:30 p.m., Thursday at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Dickinson.


Visitation for Tony will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Killdeer, with a Rosary and Prayer Service being held at 7:00 p.m.


Anton M. Helfrich was born February 10, 1933 in Mott, ND, a son of Arthur and Anna (Lindemann) Helfrich. He grew up and attended school in Mott. On November 8, 1951, Anton and “the great love of his life”, Irene Klein were united in marriage at St. Michael’s in Mott. Together they raised their family. Tony worked in construction from 1951 to 1953 and helped build St. Steven’s Church. He went on to work as a mechanic at the Regent Garage from 1953-1957. In 1957, he moved his family to Killdeer and worked at Hansen Implement until 1969 when he started Tony’s Shop. In April of 1996, Tony retired and sold his business to his son Stan. Tony loved to waltz and was a favorite partner for his daughters, granddaughters and many others when waltzing around the room. He was a man that made his living with his hands as did many men of his time. Tony was highly respected for his knowledge of automobiles, old machinery, tractors, riding mowers and farm equipment. He enjoyed being challenged by any task that involved the use of his hands, whether it was mechanical, electrical, plumbing, construction, wood working, gardening, canning, cooking, baking and even sewing. Tony could repair and restore anything. He was known to define a good day by how much “work” he would finish that day. Tony passed on his faith, strength, and determination to his children and grandchildren. Life was not always easy for him, but he persevered and found success in what he loved, his work and family. Most of all, Tony loved spending time with his children and especially his grandchildren. He was so proud of their accomplishments. His greatest regret in facing death was that he would not be able to see them grow up. Tony was a member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Church Council, Killdeer Fire Department for 23 years and serving as Fire Chief for 18 years, the Knights of Columbus, Honorary Member of Dunn County Historical Society and in 1974 was named the Jaycees Outstanding Citizen.


Tony is survived by his children, Sharon Hansen of Killdeer, ND, Stanley (Mary) Helfrich of Killdeer, ND, Wayne Helfrich of Houston, TX, Anthony (Brenda) Helfrich of Beulah, ND, Lynette (George) McDonald of Bismarck, ND, Suzette (Rick) Sheils of Fergus Falls, MN, and Pamela (Miles) Middleton of Cibolo, TX; eight grandsons, four granddaughters; four great-grandsons; five great-granddaughters; brothers, Matthew (Margaret) Helfrich of Billings, MT, Louie Helfrich, of Dickinson, Harvey (Katherine) of Montgomery, MN, Vincent Helfrich and Ella of Dickinson, ND, Kenneth (Vicki) Helfrich of Bismarck, ND, and Gary (Violet) Helfrich of Hettinger, ND; sisters, Betty (Wilbert) Herner of Mott, ND, Clara (Victor) Messmer of Bismarck, ND, Delores (Mike) Frieze of Mott, ND, Mary Ann (Harry) Wiedmer of Tioga, ND and Patricia Helfrich of Mott, ND; and special friend of many years, Corrine Olson.


He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; parents, Arthur and Anna Helfrich; wife, Irene; step-mother, Magdalena Helfrich; son, Sherwin Helfrich; daughter, Norine Knutson; brother, Art Helfrich, Jr. ; and son-in-law, Doug Hansen.


Click to View Program (PDF)


Burial Date: December 13, 2012
Funeral Home Killdeer, ND

Funeral Mass: Thursday: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Killdeer, ND