Olga P. Hellwinckel

OLGA PERNILLA SCHNEEKLOTH HELLWINCKEL was born January 31, 1920 to Ole and Josephine (Sunde) Bentson on the family farm in Lismore Township of Nobles County, Minnesota. She received her baptism on February 20, 1920 at the Luverne Community Hospital in Luverne, Minnesota, and recognized her baptism on March 21, 1920 in the Kenneth Lutheran Church in Kenneth, Minnesota. She was raised on a farm near Kenneth and later, a farm near Luverne. During her childhood Olga attended country school through the eighth grade. Following her education she remained helping her family on the farm.

On February 20, 1944 Olga was united in marriage to Elroy Schneekloth at Kenneth Lutheran Church in Kenneth. The couple resided on a farm in Beaver Creek Township of Rock County, Minnesota. In 1980, the couple moved into Luverne. Elroy preceded Olga in death on March 9, 1985.

Following Elroy’s death, Olga continued to reside at their home. On May 3, 1986, Olga was united in marriage to Melvin Hellwinckel. The couple continued to reside in Luverne. Olga later became a resident at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne. Melvin preceded Olga in death on March 9, 2009. Following Mel’s death, Olga continued to reside at the nursing home where on Sunday, April 1, 2012 Olga passed away peacefully at the age of 92 years and two months.

Olga was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne where she had been active in Circle and Women’s Society. She enjoyed flowers and gardening throughout her life. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren later in life.

She is lovingly remembered by her two children, Jerry and his wife Sheila Schneekloth of Luverne, and Jane and her husband Wally Oeding of Luverne; seven grandchildren; two sisters, Gladys Amburn of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Mabel Kienitz of Northfield, Minnesota; and one brother, Arlyn and his wife Eleanor Bentson of Lake Wilson, Minnesota. She was preceded in death by her two husbands, Elroy Schneekloth and Melvin Hellwinckel; son, James Schneekloth; six sisters, Lillian Aanenson, Alma Wold, Thelma Bell, Laverna Brezicka, Helen Walsh, and Vivian Bentson; and three brothers, Louis Bentson, Vernon Bentson, and Alvin Bentson.

Blessed be the memory of Olga Scheekloth Hellwinckel!