(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Thomas W. Helling, age 65, a resident of Stevens Point, died Saturday November 11, 2017 at Oakridge Care Center in Union Grove.
Tom was born on August 13, 1952, on an Army base in Grover City California. He was the oldest of five children born to William and Beverly (Petersen) Helling.
After high school, Tom attended the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. He meant to study Conservation because of his love of nature, but stumbled into the theater department one day and was hooked. Tom was a very accomplished backstage technician, and although he was tricked into appearing onstage once or twice, Tom was always more comfortable behind the scenes. Tom decided to make his home in Stevens Point and parlayed his considerable talents into a career as an electrician at the Del Monte Corporation.
Although Tom had no children of his own, he had a lengthy career as a Professional Uncle. Tom delighted in spending time with his nieces and nephews; delighting them with trips to carnivals, car shows, and countless campfires. Tom loved to cook and buy cool gadgets and toys and was interested in woodworking.
His siblings remember him as a kind, humble and generous man with a wickedly sneaky sense of humor. They recall fondly the Trivia Weekends that Tom hosted in Point, and the wonderful turkey dinner he always made for the occasion. He brought so much laughter and joy to his family and they will be forever blessed by the memories of sharing ginger beer and campfire stew while swapping jokes and stories around a blazing fire pit.
Tom is survived by his siblings; Karen (Stan) Breiwick, Jeri (Gary) Scott, Jayne (Dale) Armbruster and Tim (Cat) Helling, all of Racine. He is further survived by his beloved nieces and nephews; Jamie (Jessica) Breiwick, Emily (Andy) Sweetman, Eric (Theresa) Carroll, David (Bri) Carroll, Ellys Armbruster, and Charlie Helling and by his great nephews and nieces; Nathan, Jack, Nolan, Eliza, Sadie, Will, Emma, Aiden, Stefan and Jay and by many loyal and lifelong friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
A Memorial Service for Tom will be held on Wednesday November 15, 2017 at 1:00PM at Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church (1700 South Green Bay Rd). Visitation will be held at the church from 12:00 noon until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Arbor Day Foundation, Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church, or the USO would be appreciated.
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Mary Jo bergin says:
I am so very sorry about Tom’s passing. From what I hear he was a very loved and appreciated part of your family, and I am sure he felt that love, up to his very last moments with all of you. He earned his wings, and is now enjoying his place in Gods heaven.
Tom Manske says:
I’m So sorry for your loss.
I worked with Tom for many years at DelMonte and he always added something to your day when you talked with him!
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of his family, I’m sorry I won’t be able to attend the funeral.
SH says:
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Tom. May your treasured memories bring you joy and may the ‘God of all comfort’ give you strength and a measure of peace for your grieving hearts at this most difficult time. 2Cor 1:3
Jay Ruenger says:
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I worked with Tom at Del Monte for many many years and always enjoyed being around him. He was such a fun guy with an interesting sense of humor. He will be missed by all but will be remembered always. Sorry I can not make it down today to the service celebrating his life.
Barbara Martin Velotas says:
Family is always family even though we do not live close by. It saddens me that Tom passed without me ever really knowing him. May he Rest In Peace and May God bless his family & rejoice in their memories of his blessing in your lives. Love to all, Barb
Dawn Wenszell says:
Back in the 80s Tom was a good friend and a wild and crazy guy. We had so much fun in Community Theatre even when we had to build and paint the scenery in an unheated Airplane hanger with no running water.
He named our Trivia team Shoppers at Taxpayers Mall as a form of protest. It was a blast.
He did love to cook. I’m sure Dave Carlson would have died of starvation if it wasn’t for Tom. My favorite thing was the Chex Mix he made at Christmas. I make it now as my tradition and think of him every year.
My heart goes out to his siblings, nieces and nephews. He was a special guy and I know you will miss him.
Kenn Firkus says:
I went to Jr High at Emerson School in Stevens Point with Thomas.
So sorry for the family loss. At the time we were in “homeroom” and several classes together. He was a good and interesting friend to talk to. An odd thing is that I just thought of him the other day while having a snack. I remember him having lunch one day and saying it was potato chips and mustard. So long ago, I remember him well. My condolences.
Ed Simcakowski says:
To the family, so sorry for your loss. Worked with Tom at Del Monte. He had quite the sense of humor. Never a dull moment if you were paying attention.