Darwin Helbling

Darwin A. Helbling, 66, of Mandan, passed away on March 26, 2024, at Sanford Health hospital, surrounded by his family.

Visitation will be held from 5-7pm on Monday, April 1^st at Weigel Funeral Home, Mandan, with a prayer service following at 7pm. A celebration of Darwin’s life will take place at a later date.

Darwin Allen was born on February 12, 1958, to Leo and Nettie (Silseth) Helbling; he was the fifth of 10 children. He was born, raised, and lived in Mandan, ND his entire life.  He was a man of many trades, working various jobs over the years, including positions at Dakota Sanitation, Dakota Office Supply, and Leingang Home Center. Darwin became friends with many throughout the community and was always eager to lend a helping hand when he could.

Darwin married Tami Schwinkendorf on February 2, 1991. Together they enjoyed going to concerts at Prairie Knights Casino, playing bingo, babysitting their grandchildren, and going out to eat. They had two children, Nicky Lyn and Josh. Darwin took great pride in raising and spending time with Josh and was always there to help and support him through the years, whether it be with various house projects, cheering him on at his softball or basketball games, or making the daily check-in phone call.

Darwin loved being outdoors and enjoyed going fishing and hunting, and spending time with the “guys” at his favorite place, “the farm.”  He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and could always be heard heckling the Vikings fans in his family. Darwin loved celebrating the holidays, especially Christmas and the 4^th of July.

Above all else, Darwin found the greatest joy in being the best grandpa and spending time with his grandchildren, Graham and Hattie. They were his true pride and joy. He loved taking Graham to all the local sporting events and dirt track races, chasing Hattie around the house and letting her pull at his beard, and simply spending as much time with them as he could. Darwin also had a special bond and love for his grand-dog, Maysie.

Darwin battled health issues over the last 14 years; he truly fought courageously until the end. We find comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain and is finally at rest.

Darwin will be deeply missed by his wife of 33 years, Tami; son, Josh (Molly) Helbling; grandchildren, Graham and Hattie; siblings, Sharlene (John) Grosgebauer, Danny Helbling,  Arnetta (Tim) Glum, Joyce (Doug) Urlacher, Carla (Gene) Miller, Mary Ellyn (Jeff Trimble) Muhlhauser, DuWayne (Trish) Helbling, and LeEtta (Cal) Schafer; in-laws, Glenn and Connie Schwinkendorf; sister-in-law, Teri (Bob) Riedinger; numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Darwin was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Nicky Lyn; his parents; brother, Dennis “Java” Helbling; and nieces, Jeri Lee Grosgebauer and Faith Corbin, and nephew, Jason Grosgebauer.

Darwin’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Darwin’s medical team over the years, especially Dr. Hamar and his nurse, Nancy, and his intensive care nurse, Amy, who provided the utmost care to Darwin and provided unwavering support and comfort to his family over the last few days of his life.