Obituary of Hugo Hjalmer Hellman

Hugo Hjalmer Hellman, 94, of Brimson, died Nov. 6, 2016. He was born Feb. 11, 1922 to Hjalmer and Selma (Mertsalmi) Hellman in Chicago, Ill. In 1924 the family moved to Minnesota where Hugo remained his entire life. In 1942 he was united in marriage to Gladys Saari. He had a variety of careers throughout life but his greatest success was as a self-employed logger and owner/operator of Hellman's Store (aka Hugo's) for 30 years. By day Hugo was a skilled Lumberjack and by night he became Bartender, Bouncer, Story Teller, Champion Arm Twister and Dancer. After the passing of his wife Gladys, he enjoyed playing the role of "Ladies Man" flirting with almost everybody. He loved music and dance more than anything! Deer season at Hugo's was like a holiday. He would often join in while his daughter Gerry played the accordion with his harmonica, spoons or drink glasses he'd gently clink together to the beat. Not only did he enjoy deer hunting but he loved to fish (sometimes not necessarily in season). He was an expert at smoking fish and liked to share it with his friends. No matter where he went, he was always making new friends and prided himself on remembering everybody's name. Hugo's heart was full of kindness when it came to children. He treated every one he met as if they were one of his own. Hugo's Finnish Heritage was always worn on his chest. He was very proud of all the traditions and loved speaking the Finnish language as often as he could. He is the perfect example of a life well lived! In his own words, "I have more fun than most people!" He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Arnold; sisters, Miriam Berglund and Helmi Ruana; son, Dick; and grandchildren, Todd and Jodi Hellman. Hugo is survived by his children, Gerry Mealey of Babbitt, Cal, Steve and Kevin Hellman all of Brimson; two sisters, Gert Esselstrom of Wisconsin and Rosemary DePompa of California; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Sharon Hellman of Two Harbors and entirely too many special friends to mention. You all know who you are and how much you meant to him! We would like to thank all of his caregivers over the past few years, especially the crew at Ecumen Scenic Shores in Two Harbors. A celebration of life is being planned for some time next summer.