Terry Allen Hellekson

Terry Allen Hellekson, 72, Galesburg, died at 8:45 p.m. Sunday, August 14, 2011 at Galesburg Cottage Hospital. He was born December 13, 1938, in Winnemucca, Nevada the son of Herman Elmer and Lucille Diana (Edison) Hellekson.  He married Patricia Hellekson on June 8, 2001 in Wheaton, Illinois. He is survived by his loving wife, Pat; daughters, Vivian (Gregg) Huffman of Ohio, Wanda (Vince) Prunty of Wisconsin, Linda (John) Hellekson of California; sons, Stanley (Jennifer) Hellekson of California, Theodore (Deanna) Hellekson of South Dakota; step daughter, Nicole (Scott) Owen of Illinois; 12 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; 1 aunt, Florence Sloan of Fallon, Nevada; sister-in-law, Wilma Bjorklund  of Washington; Nieces, Heidi (Rob) Hanscom of Washington,  Erika (Leon) Hollis of Texas and many cousins. Terry was preceded in death by his parents, maternal and paternal grandparents. Terry served in the Air Force for 20 years with 3 tours in Vietnam. He received many citations and medals, among one of them being the Bronze Star. After retiring from the Air Force, Terry went on to become one of the most successful wholesale and retail fly fishing store (Fly Fishing Specialties) owner/operators in northern California. He and his wife Pat retired to Libby Montana to fly-fish his beloved Kootenai river and moved later to Illlnois to be closer to family. Terry was a well known author of fly-tying books. Terry was adamant about truth in fly-tying history and left the world his rich legacy of books. He wrote Popular Fly Patterns; Fish Flies Volumes 1 and 2; and his latest book, Fish Flies, the Encyclopedia of the Fly Tier’s Art.  Terry also advocated teaching this sport’s art to others. The world of fly-tying and fly-fishing enthusiasts have lost an unwavering comrade.  Terry was also very well known for accomplishing anything that he set his mind to. The Family wishes to express that per Terry's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and no services will be bestowed.  Memorials may be made to the Galesburg Rescue Mission, or to the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum of New York.