Douglas D. Helder 86 of Rochester passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and family at his home on Wednesday, February 8, 2012. Doug fought a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on September 17, 1925 in Cottonwood County to Daniel and Minnie (Hylarides) Helder.

Doug's high school education in Windom, Minnesota was interrupted by WWII. He did proudly receive his diploma in 1999. He served in the Navy as an electrician on four different ships from 2-4-43 to 10-30-46 his favorite being the USS Biloxi. Doug often recalled his Navy memories including witnessing the atomic bomb testing at Bikini Atoll.

Doug married Elizabeth Tierney the love of his life on April 15, 1947. He was employed as a mechanic in Madelia, Minnesota until moving to Rochester in 1957. He was the service manager for four Rochester Pontiac Dealerships until his retirement from Tom Kadlec Motors. His strong work ethic and love of people brought him back to Tom Kadlec driving courtesy shuttle. He enjoyed hunting, fishing along with golfing and traveling with Liz in their motor home. Doug's priority was always his family and he loved Wednesday 'family park night'.

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth, two daughters Patricia (Arnold) Blum of Mantorville and Mary (Dan) Holmberg of Rochester and six sons Daniel (Cheryl) of Stewartville, Cameron (Pam) of Pine Island, Mark (Bonnie) of Rochester, Huey (Joanne) of Rochester, Ken (Janet) of Mantorville, and Phil (Linda) of Rochester along with 18 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren and sister Mona (Joe) Whitley of Rogers, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Rexford and sisters Joyce Leopold, Phyllis Hanson and Norma Berge.

A wake will be held on Sunday, February 12 from 4-7 pm in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. A Celebration of Life will be at St Francis Catholic Church at 10:30 am Monday, February 13. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.  Memorials are suggested to Disabled Veterans of Rochester, Minnesota.