February 3, 2010

K.O. Hellickson

K.O. Hellickson, 66, of Watford City, N.D., died Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010, in a Minot hospital.
K.O. was born Oct. 21, 1943, in Scobey, Mont., to Clarence and Olive Hellickson. He attended country school when he was young and attended Scobey High School. He joined the Air Force and spent most of his enlistment in Japan.
Most of his career was spent working in the oil fields of Montana and North Dakota, beginning as a rig hand, then driller, pumper and eventually as a consultant for Watkins Engineering. He also worked as a hot oil truck operator for HB&R on the North Slope and in Valdez, Alaska.
After back surgery limited his mobility, he moved to his brother’s ranch south of Watford City to help oversee the day to day ranch operations. These last years there was no place he would rather be than at home on the ranch.
He is survived by daughters, Tammy (Tim) Harmon of Kalispell, Mont., and Donna (Daryl) Sorenson of Westby, Mont.; sons, Lonnie of Racine, Wis., and Sigurd of Miles City, Mont.; grandchildren, John Harmon of Westby, Mont., Scott Harmon, currently serving as a U.S. Marine, Jeremy Sorenson and Nichole Sorenson, both of Moorhead, Minn.; brothers, Neil Hellickson of Kalispell, Mont., Ernie (Jeanie) Hellickson of Dickinson, N.D., and Merle (Sherrie) Hellickson of Chicago, Ill.; sister, Clara Mae (Al) Powers of Fairfield, Mont., numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his friend and companion, Mary Ann Shipstead, of Watford City, N.D.
K. O. was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Oscar.
A memorial gathering at the ranch is planned for later this spring.
The family requests that memorials be sent to Trinity Health Hospice at 1015 S. Broadway, Suite 306, Minot, N.D. 58701, or to the Hospice or local charity of your choice.
Those wanting to sign the online memorial register or share memories and condolences are invited to use the expressions of sympathy section at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com.

 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER