John Joseph Helleson

John Joseph Helleson, 81, of Overland Park, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2009 at Menorah Medical Center.

John was born February 13, 1928 to the late John and Hilma Helleson in St. Peter, Minnesota. John served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After being discharged from the navy, he married Edith Amundson on February 12, 1950. In 1991 John retired from Yellow Freight, Inc. after 34 years of dedicated service.

John is preceded in death by a granddaughter, Kelly Jean Downes in 1982. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Edith; a son, Michael Helleson and his wife Nancy, Bloomington, Minnesota; three daughters, Jeanne Patmore and husband Herb, Dixon, California, Teresa Downes and her husband Ronald, Kansas City, Missouri, and Deborah Prochnow and husband Doug, Olathe, Kansas; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Overland Park Christian Church, 7600 W. 75th Street. Overland Park, Kansas 66204.

Visitation and Funeral Service

Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, March 9, 2009 at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. Funeral services will follow at the Chapel at 11 a.m.