Todd Helbling Obituary (1972 - 2003)

Born Jan 27, 1972, Todd Helbling attended Mandan High School in Mandan, ND. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Todd Helbling.

Graduation Year	Class of 1990
Date of Birth	Jan 27, 1972
Date of Passing	Mar 25, 2003
About	Todd Helbling was born Jan. 27, 1972, at Mandan Hospital, the son of Wayne P. and JoAnn (Hoffman) Helbling. His brilliant personality was evident from day one. He grew up in Mandan, graduating from Mandan High School in 1990. Education was very important to Todd, as he was one credit short of his master's degree. His career with the North Dakota Army National Guard (NDARG) began with enlistment April 24, 1989. He advanced steadily through the ranks until earning the promotion to Captain on Sept. 4, 1998. Todd married his best friend, Pamela Sue, on May 20, 1994. They shared a rare, tender love that held steadfast even when separated because of military training obligations. They lived in Devils Lake from the fall of 1996 to the winter of 2001, where Todd was assigned to the 136th Quartermaster Battalion, first as the training officer then as the Officer in Charge. He was honored by his peers on several occasions throughout his guard career to include being named NDARNG Company Grade Officer of the Year in 2001. Additionally, Todd was presented one of the state's top honors, the North Dakota National Guard Legion of Merit award for exceptional service from April 24, 1989, to March 24, 2003. His military and educational accomplishments were shadowed in comparison to the pride and joy Todd and Pam felt with the birth of their daughter, Brianna Jonice, on Nov. 6, 2000. A perfect reflection of their love, Brianna has her Daddy's personality and spirit. Todd was so proud of "his girls," and they were so proud of his courage, strength and love of life. Todd was transferred to Bismarck in 2001 after being diagnosed with cancer. Treating the disease and getting his family settled were his primary goals. There was nothing Todd and Pam didn't try, including a trip across the country, to find the cure for his cancer. When Todd's work was all done, and he realized the disease was too difficult to beat, he surrendered himself to God's mercy with the full support of his wife and family. His beautiful journey to heaven was shared with us as his incredible personality shined brightly and strongly through. Todd's life was filled with love and honor. He had a very natural ability to take control of any situation, as well as a special smile and patience about him that brought comfort and encouragement to those around him. He always took the path that was true and good even if it was the longest and most difficult to navigate. He was a member of St. Joseph Parish, and a lifetime member of the North Dakota National Guard Enlisted and Officer associations. There were many roles that Todd held throughout his life -- husband and father, son, brother, friend, soldier, teacher, leader, consoler -- and he accepted each with great pride. He will continue to guide each of us to the love and peace of heaven. He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Martin Himmelspach; maternal grandmother, Pauline Hoffman; and two uncles, Gary Rader and Darrell Freidig.