Obituary

Obituary
Leslie Christian Hellemann, 77, of Marengo, Ill., passed away at 2:35 a.m. Wednesday, April 18, in Hospice and Palliative Care of Woodstock. Born July 2, 1934, in Pekin, Ill., the son of Frank and Anna (Peterson) Hellemann. Leslie married Clara L. Swenson Aug. 17, 1957 in Rockford. He was a 1952 graduate of Tremont High School, received his bachelor degree and master degree from Illinois State University, and later received his Certificate of Advanced Study in 1976. He served in the United States Army from 1957-1959, in Fort Lewis, Washington. Leslie worked for Guilford Center Grade School as a Teacher, Manchester Grade School as Superintendent, was Principal and Superintendent of Marengo Consolidated School District 165, and later worked from 1988-1995 as Regional Superintendent of Schools for McHenry County. He enjoyed sports all his life and played on several basketball and many baseball and softball teams, winning several I.I.A.C. Championships. He was inducted into Tremont Athletic Hall of Fame and the Illinois State Athletic Hall of fame. He was recognized as an outstanding senior at I.S.U. He signed a professional baseball contract with the Cincinnati Reds and attended spring training until he was inducted into the U.S. Army, where he continued to play baseball on the 12 Infantry Fort Lewis and 6th Army Championship team. He is survived by his wife, Clara of Marengo; children, Leslie (Leah) Hellemann of Lebanon, Ohio, Lynn Mortensen of Woodstock, and Tim (Kris) Hellemann of Blanchester, Ohio; grandchildren, Brandon and Derek Hellemann, Kristin and Eric Mortensen, and Briana Campbell. Predeceased by his brothers, Ralph and Franklin; and sister, Frances Hellemann. Funeral service will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday, April 23, in Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 N. First St., Rockford, IL with Pastor Jay Quinn officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. prior to the service in the church. Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery, Rockford. The family prefers memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church or Woodstock Hospice Center for Care at Centegra Specialty Hospital, 527 W. South St. Woodstock, IL 60098. Click here to view video tribute