Verlyn Heldt

Verlyn Heldt passed away at St. Mary's hospital on January 26, 2026, after complications from cancer treatment. Verlyn Heldt was born on March 13, 1932, to Harry and Freida (Boese) Heldt in Albert Lea, Minnesota. He attended public school there, graduating in 1950. From there he attended Mankato State Teachers College, where he met the love of his life, Marlys Gudmundson, whom he married shortly after graduation in 1954. His first position in education brought him to McGrath, Minnesota, where they spent a brief few months. Soon after, new opportunities led them to Lincoln, Nebraska, and the University of Nebraska, where he continued his studies. Upon graduation with a Masters in Education in 1956, he worked as a counselor and taught social studies at Benson High in Omaha, Nebraska. While living there they welcomed a son (Brian) into the world. In 1960, he moved back to Minnesota where he continued as a counselor and social studies teacher at John Marshall High school, and shortly thereafter they welcomed another son (Mark) and daughter (Ann). Four years later he made the jump to instruction at Rochester Community College where he would work as a counselor and psychology professor. Shortly after taking this position, he was promoted to Dean of Instruction and would finish his career there. While in that position he would return to the University of Nebraska in 1972 to earn his Doctor of Education. After his retirement from RCC in 1991, he called Fountain Hills, Arizona his home for 29 years. One last move in 2020, found he and Marlys returning to Rochester moving into the Homestead Community to be closer to family.

Throughout life his love for education and learning wasn't just something he valued, it was how he lived. Whether planning adventures or serving his community, curiosity drove him. He and Marlys traveled the world together, visiting over 100 countries, often with lifelong friends. Long before each departure, he would pour over maps and guidebooks, determined to understand every place before setting foot there. Adventure came naturally to him. He earned his pilot's license, climbed mountains, and stood atop the Grand Teton, twice. He camped his way across the country in every style imaginable, from canvas tents to a motorhome. Service mattered just as much as exploration, and he gave generously of his time through the American Association of Junior Colleges, the Rochester Lions Club, and church leadership roles. Retirement brought golf, golf, and more golf. For many years Verlyn had golf on the calendar three, if not four days a week. Even then, he stayed active in the Fountain Hills Men's Club and Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Council. To him, every experience was a chance to learn something new and share it with others. His greatest pride was seeing his family carry that same drive forward, never missing a single graduation, more than 17 in total, no matter how far he had to travel.

He is survived by his wife, Marlys Heldt of 71 years; children: Brian (Pam) Heldt, Mark (Colleen) Heldt, and Ann (Lee) Meyer; grandchildren: Julie (Steve), Jennifer (Matt), Jeffery (Karoline), Janelle (Patrick), Scott, Jamie, Charlton, Stephanie (Abraham); 15 great grandchildren and one nephew James (Carol) Heldt. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers Norbert and Orville.

Special thank you to his caregivers from Home Instead and his Mayo Clinic care teams in Arizona and Minnesota.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Visitation to start at 1pm followed by a service at 2pm. Desserts to follow the service.

Memorials can be directed to the family or to the First Tee organization and list as a tribute in Verlyn's name.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Heldt family.