Richard C Helander was born to Clarence and Naomi Helander in February 1936. “Dick” attended Trout Lake Camp at age 13 where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He grew up in Fergus Falls, MN, graduating from High School in 1954 and attended Bethel College for a semester before joining the United States Air Force in 1955. He was stationed at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, CO. In 1956, Dick married his High School sweetheart Marlene Dyrland. Dick served four years active duty as an Avionics instructor. They were blessed with two daughters Linda and Pamela while in CO.