David “Dave” William Helmbrecht, age 73 of Delano, Minnesota passed away Thursday, October 1, 2020, after a hard fought, nearly 3 year battle with cancer, surrounded by his family. He was born on June 15, 1947 in Cokato, MN to Albert and Leona (Guennigsmann) Helmbrecht.

Dave was raised on the family farm and spent his entire life living just outside of Delano. After graduating from Delano High School in 1965, he worked on that very farm until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966. After basic training, he was assigned and served as a first cook in Vietnam from 1967-1968. In his time of service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, an Overseas Service Bar, and the Sharpshooter (m-14) Medal. He served until he was honorably discharged October 19, 1972.

After returning home from the service, Dave met the love of his life, Kaye Ann Kirby. They were united in marriage on April 12, 1969. Together they were blessed with three children. He truly loved all of his family and was very proud of his children and grandchildren.

Dave really enjoyed to fish, especially on Lake Vermilion, loved and looked forward to his gardening, enjoyed watching football and baseball, deer hunting with family and friends, campfires, and just being outdoors. He also loved television game shows and was possibly one of Vanna White’s most loyal fans, until he fell in love with his Amazon Alexa just a short time ago.

After retirement, Dave really loved spending his summers at their lake cabin, and his trips to the casino. He was an honest, hardworking man and was employed as a member of the local teamsters at SuperValu warehouse in Hopkins for over 25 years. He was also a member of the Delano American Legion and Knights of Columbus. His smile, the twinkle in his eye and all the love he had for everyone will be missed by all that knew him.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Leona Helmbrecht; sister Elaine Hendrickson; daughter-in-law Heather Helmbrecht; father-in-law Don Kirby; and brother-in-law Jeff Kirby. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kaye; children Donald (Jeanie), Diana (Terry) Gabrelcik and Tom (Heather); grandchildren Hannah, Mitchell, Lance Corporal Brandon Gabrelcik, Angela, Bryce, Sierra, Nick, Jacob, Chase, Parker, and Gracie; brothers Jerry Helmbrecht (sp. friend Darlene) and Ronald (Theresa) Helmbrecht; mother-in-law Margaret Kirby; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Bruce Hendrickson, Margaret (Dick) Jensen, Theresa (Art) Wemhoff, Dwight Kirby (sp. friend Theresa), Charles Kirby (sp. friend Jean), and Wendy (Lee) Hertzog; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a Private Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 AM on Friday, October 9, 2020 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Delano. Inurnment with Military Honors took place immediately following the service in Calvary Cemetery in Delano. A Public Outdoor Celebration of Life with a catered luncheon then took place from 1-5 PM at son Tom and Heather Helmbrecht’s residence, 1935 55th St. SW, Montrose, MN 55363.

A video of the Mass can be found on the Iten Funeral Home Youtube Page, or through the link below: