Eric Hellevang

Eric Dale Hellevang, 19, was born of September 24, 1991 in Fargo, ND and passed into the loving arms of Jesus on May 29, 2011 surrounded by family and friends at Sanford Hospital. He left his wheelchair behind and now dances with joy in heaven. Eric was a delightful boy with a quick smile. When he was less than a year old, physical and mental delays were identified. Southeast Human Services provided Eric with various therapists to help him reach his potential. At age three he entered the preschool program at Longfellow Elementary. He continued his education at Longfellow Elementary, Ben Franklin Middle School and most recently at Fargo North High School. Eric has been blessed with teachers and classmates that cheered him on, showed care and concern for him and helped educate others about Eric’s abilities. Eric won the heart of all of the people he met with his quick smile, the twinkle in his eye, the raise of his eyebrow, and his sign for happiness which included crossing his arms and raising them up on his chest toward his chin. Eric enjoyed eating, especially any foods covered in syrup, being pushed fast in his wheelchair, playing with noisy toys, looking at magazines, books and pictures, and bouncing in his rocker recliner while listening to his favorite Raffi DVD. He also loved to hear songs and hymns about Jesus. Eric was blessed to have wonderful people in his life, from extended family to therapists, teachers, classmates, clinic and hospital doctors, nurses and respiratory therapists, homecare and respite nurses, and his wonderful church family. Each one added to the joy of Eric’s life. Eric is survived by his parents Dale and Marcia Hellevang, two brothers, Brian (dear sister-in-law Hannah) and Kyle, Grandma Vivian Friesen, and many uncles, aunts, and cousins. He is preceded in death by Grandpa George Friesen, Grandpa Arne Hellevang and Grandma Millie Hellevang. A celebration service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, June 3 at Salem Evangelical Free Church with a prayer/sharing service 7:00 pm on Thursday at the Hanson Runsvold Funeral Home.