John E. Helcl

John E. Helcl, age 76, of Columbia Heights, died peacefully on Friday, December 26, 2014 at the Lighthouse of Columbia Heights Assisted Living Center. John Edward, the son of George and Ordella (Severson) Helcl, was born on October 13, 1938 in Dennison, MN. He attended Hastings High School and later enlisted in the Army National Guard. On November 28, 1959, John was united in marriage to Sandra Linda Stearns. He later married Jacalyn Keeney on December 8, 1973. John worked at MNDOT as an Engineering Specialist and was instrumental with developing Interstate 94, as well as many other large projects and later retired after thirty five years of employment. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister Helen (Bernard) Wagner. John is survived by his seven children, Catherine Sue, Timothy John, Douglas Mitchell, Steven Allan, Sonja Lauise, Lauria Michelle, and John Edward; his siblings George (Roula) Helcl and Mary (Carter) Rein; his fourteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. Private family services will be held. Arrangements are being completed by the Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services in Hastings.