Leon (Chick) Helgeson

Chick was born December 14th, 1943 at Fort Belknap Hospital to Raymond F. Helgeson and Dora Firstchief Helgeson.  He attended grade school at Lodgepole Elementary school, where he graduated 8th grade, from there, he attended high school at the Flandreau Indian School in Flandreau South Dakota. He made lifelong friends there. During his time there, he wan the South Dakota State high school rodeo Champion in saddle bronc riding in 1963.

Chick served during Vietnam war in 1967; he was stationed in Germany. In 1969, he was honorably discharged.

Leon was one of the last old cowboys in the country working with his father and brothers. He worked for various ranches around the area which included Mcleish’s, Hofeldt’s, Young’s, Jim Robinson, and the Mill Iron Ranch. He was not only a full blooded Indian, but he was a full blooded cowboy. He found peace while on the back of a horse.

He was a jack of all trades. He was never without; he had the knowledge to fix anything. One of his earliest jobs was with his family for a brief time when he and his family moved to Hardin, MT for a job on the construction of the Yellowtail dam.

Leon was a awesome Husband, son, father and friend. He was a special uncle to all his nieces and nephews. He loved to aggravate kids. He and his brother Basil Longfox worked as camp cooks for a juvenile rehibition program under Judge Terry Healy. There his gruff and short words impacted all the youth who participated.

Chick was married to Ann V Helgeson in the 1970’s, where he gained a stepson Darrin Finely. They later divorced. In 1996 Chick made full circle back to his love from Lodge Pole, Rita K Kirkaldie. They were married in 2010. From this union Chick gained a daughter Kaydee Jane and a granddaughter Marlee.

In 2003 Chick made his way to Belgrade where he learned to make saddles. He had already taught himself to tool leather. He made numerous belts purses wallets and checkbooks. Making saddles was one of his proudest accomplishments. His daughter Kaydee found her sweetheart there in Belgrade at the saddle school.

In 2021 Chick at 77 and his longtime friend and boss Jim Robinson hung up their spurs due to drought. As he came back into town from camp he enjoyed his retirement on Central Ave watching folks drive by, and playing cards with friends and family.

Survivors include his wife Rita K. daughter Kaydee ( Kevin) Moore of Wassila Alaska.  Sister Mary Messerly of Harlem. Brother Gus ( Florence) Helgeson of Lodge Pole.  Cousin Brothers: Danial (Demon) Longfox, Robert (Ketsy) Healy, Chauncy (Chan) Healy, Young John A. Allen, Wimpy Kuhnhenn, Freddie Kuhnhenn  Cousin sisters: Alphadean (Deanie) Healy, Peggy Healy, Extended Family include: Longfox, Cliff, Allen, Healy, his Special Dog Bizzee, and Horse Ribbon.

Proceeded in death by: Parents' Raymond and Dora, Brothers Raymond (Oakie) Allen, Gene Helgeson, Sisters Charlotte Kelley and Bonnie Olney.        

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