Francis Hellerud, 64, of Maddock, ND passed away Friday, September 29, 2017 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Fargo, ND. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at the Viking Lutheran Church in rural Maddock, ND with Pastor Allen Campbell officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at the Viking Lutheran Cemetery. Music will be provided by Joann Bergrud, Rachel Markestad and Dean Lindgren.

Francis Allen 'Cisco' Hellerud was born on July 1, 1953 to Harlan and Lorraine (Herbeck) Hellerud in Maddock, ND. He attended elementary school in Maddock, graduated from BCATS in 1971 and then attended NDSU until enlisting in the Army in March of 1972. After completing training at Fort Leonardwood, MO, and Fort Gordon, GA, he went on to serve as an MP (Military Policeman) in Germany. Francis achieved statuses of M16 Sharpshooter, Expert Hand Grenade, and Expert 45 Cal Pistol.

Following military service, he attended NDSSS of Wahpeton for two years and was employed by Humbles Heating and Air Conditioning of Cavalier before moving on to start his own business, Hellerud Heating and Air Conditioning. Francis also worked in maintenance and transportation at the Lutheran Home-Good Shepherd of New Rockford where he also enjoyed visiting with residents.

Francis was a gentle and caring man. He loved to visit and socialize with friends and family. He also greatly enjoyed boating at Buffalo Lake, gardening, his New Holland tractor, and the occasional music festival. Francis was honored to have served for his country and very proud to be a veteran.

Francis is survived by his brother, Kenneth Hellerud of Maddock, ND; niece, Leanne (Andy) Beavis Hellerud of Thief River Falls, MN; nephew, Darren (Deane) Jorgenson of Burnsville, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harlan and Lorraine (Herbeck) Hellerud; paternal grandparents, Halgrim and Christine Hellerud; maternal grandparents, Francis and Alice Herbeck; numerous aunts and uncles and his beloved dog, Lucky.