Eugene Helland

Gene Hellend was born on July 7, 1927 in Wauwatosa Wisconsin to Ottlie Minni Reinke and Sigurd Conrad Helland. He was drafted into the military towards the end of World War II and served in the Marine Corps and the Marine corps Band at Quantico, VA. It was there that he met his love, Betty Jane Bate. After both were discharged from military service, he went to Utah to be with Betty. He attended the University of Utah to study music. He married Betty and they remained in Utah most of their lives where they raised their family.
Family and music were the love of his life along with fishing, boating, mountain biking, quick road trips with his family and his famous stories to anyone who would listen. Although he had many jobs, none gave him as much joy, as his music. He started his music career playing in dance bands while in high school, then an assistant band director at the University of Utah where he graduated. He taught music in schools in Idaho, and Cedar City, Utah, worked in Nevada before settling in Bountiful, Utah in 1964. His family includes Leslie (Richard) Bousfield, Eric (Ann) Helland, Patti (Bruce) Brown, and Debby (Randy) Johnson with 21 grandchildren, and 34 great-grandchildren. He was married for 65 years and was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sister.
The funeral will be at the Bountiful 10th Ward (1145 North 200 East) Monday, July 8, at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing Sunday evening 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary (295 North Main Street, Bountiful, Utah) and from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the chapel before the funeral.