Valerie (Val) J Hellmers

Surrounded by family who loved her, Valerie (Wood) Hellmers age 63, passed away at Lakewood Hospital, Staples MN, on April 11, 2025. Val was born July 11, 1961 to LeRoy & Betty (Oliver) Wood in Crosby, MN. The family moved from Riverton to Fawn Lake Township in Todd County. Val attended school in Staples & graduated high school in 1979. At age 18, she suffered a paralyzing auto accident which left her a paraplegic. She worked a variety of desk jobs, the longest being at Fingerhut in St. Cloud. As her late husband described her she was not handicapped but she was handi-able. Val & Andy Hellmers were introduced in 1984 by a mutual friend, Holly & married in 2010, “the second Thursday in May”, an elopement facilitated by Val’s cousin, Dawn. Val loved country life, birds (her favorite hobby), enjoyed wild animals, but not raccoons, loved cats but hated dogs. Her hobbies included crocheting afghans, gardening, keeping family picture albums, cooking & baking (chocolate chip cookies, anyone?); she was not one to complain & an immaculate housekeeper. Vals’ cats, Mellow & Wild Child, meant the world to her & were lovingly spoiled by her.

The family wishes to thank Vals’ friends Anita & Bob for the wonderful, all encompassing care & attention they gave to Val in these last months.

Preceding Val in death, her husband Andy in January 2025, her parents & brother Kevin. Loved ones mourning her passing are siblings Peggy from WY; Mike, Rick, David & Donnie from IA, many aunts & uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews, & friends.

Those who knew Val knew she was a private person, especially in recent years. Per her wishes, there will be no viewing. Family & friends are invited to a graveside service at Lakewood Cemetery in Crosby, MN on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 1 o’clock in the afternoon. Family is hosting a potluck after the burial, details to be announced.

Caring for Val and her family

Taylor Funeral Home of Staples