Kurt Hellberg Obituary Kurt Donald Hellberg October 17, 1930 June 12, 2024 (age 93) Kurt Hellberg, beloved father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on June 12, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia. He is survived by his only daughter and son-in- law, Melissa and Julian Bowen-Rees and grandson, Thomas Bowen-Rees of Richmond as well as nieces, Linda Tolman and Brittany Wendland, nephews, Scott Reed, Eric Wendland and Thor Wendland. He was preceded in death by his wife of sixty years, Nancy Reed Hellberg, sister, Karin Wendland Cole and parents, Kurt and Karin Hellberg. Kurt was born on October 17th 1930 in Detroit, Michigan to Swedish immigrant parents. In his mid-teens, his family moved to New Hampshire. He grew up an avid Boy Scout, proudly attaining his Eagle Scout. He received his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of New Hampshire followed by an MBA from the Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth. In the midst of his higher education, he served in the U.S. Air Force as a Navigator Bombardier during the Korean War. From there, he began his career working for the Chemical Division of General Mills. It was here that began an adventurous career in international specialty business marketing with a focus in the Far East. From 1965 to 1968, while working for General Mills, he and Nancy lived in Tokyo, Japan. This proved to be a very special time for them, during which they traveled and made many lifelong friends. They returned to the United States in 1968 and settled in Wayzata, Minnesota where they lived for 55 years and raised their daughter, Melissa. During his career, Kurt also worked for MTS Systems and NCR Comten. Kurt and Nancy were active members of Wayzata Community Church for the duration of the 55 years they lived in Wayzata. Kurt enjoyed the community, attended Bible study groups for years in his retirement, lent his time leading a team of ushers, auditing and other volunteer work. Kurt enjoyed travel. During the time he and Nancy spent living in Tokyo, they traveled extensively around the Far East and took a trip through much of Europe when they made their way back to the United States. Kurt travelled to Asia, Australia, the Indian subcontinent and other far flung places during much of his career. After he retired, he and Nancy enjoyed regular trips to spend time with family in the UK and Europe. Throughout his married life, Kurt particularly looked forward to annual family summer vacations on Cape Cod. Kurt was a family man. He enjoyed being with his family and valued travel with them and to see them above all. Kurt moved to Richmond in early 2023 after Nancys passing to be close to Melissa, Julian and Thomas. During this time, he was able to see his family several times a week and attend special events. He grew up with a deeply rooted Swedish heritage and always enjoyed observing many traditions. A favorite tradition that was shared with many close friends and family over the years was an annual Glogg party on Christmas Eve. A Memorial service will be held at Wayzata Community Church at 11:00 am on Friday, August 16th. In lieu of flowers, Kurts family gratefully suggests a donation to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimers Association. Services Memorial Service Friday August 16, 2024 11:00 AM Wayzata Community Church 125 East Wayzata Blvd Wayzata, MN 55391