Today we are celebrating the life of our patriarch and rock, Gerald Carl Hellberg, who passed peacefully at home Nov. 5th, 2015 with his adoring family nearby.
Born May 26, 1930 in Butte, Montana, to Carl and Erma Hellberg, he moved as a young boy to Salt Lake City, where he graduated from South High and the University of Utah.
He then embarked on a long and successful aviation career, joining his father as the pioneers that built Thompson Flying Service and Salt Lake Aircraft Parts into powerhouses of the western states aviation industry.
His keen sense of humor, broad smile, and kindness made him an instant friend to everyone who had the good fortune of crossing his path, and he had many life-long friends. An avid family-man, pilot, golfer and fisherman; along with the love of his life, Dione M. Hellberg, they traveled hundreds of thousands of miles in their motorhome.
Jerry served with the US Air Force in the Korean War, and true to his nature of helping others, volunteered with the Lions Club and for years with the Civil Air Patrol, searching for and rescuing other pilots in distress.
It is with happy memories that we cast his ashes from a small plane over the mountains of the Wasatch front, as he had done with his father's.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Dione M Hellberg, son David (Keeley), daughters Susan and Jennifer Braun (Peter), and grandkids Samantha, Kevin, Spencer, Brandon, Carlie, Sadie, Connor, Lindsay, Mitch, Megan, Ryan and Aly.
A private wake is being held by his close family. In lieu of flowers, we ask simply that you hold on to fond memories of Jerry and his bright spirit, and give all your family and friends a big bear hug!
