Posted on: Pierce Co. Wi Obituaries Reply Here: http://genconnect.rootsweb.com/genbbs.cgi/USA/Wi/PierceObits/10106 Surname: Helmke, Bleckwenn, Hinzman, Lenz, Schnell, Marsh, Stofferahn ------------------------- SUN - ARGUS NEWSPAPERS Spring Valley & Elmwood, WI January 20, 1999 Wayne Helmke Wayne A. Helmke, age 73 of Elmwood, Wisconsin died Thursday, January 14, 1999 at Myrtle Werth Hospital, Menomonie where he had been taken by ambulance. Wayne was born October 13, 1925, the son of Arthur and Matilda (Bleckwenn) Helmke at Rodman, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at Whittemore, Iowa and has been a member of Spring Lake Lutheran Church, Spring Valley since 1959. Wayne grew up in Iowa and graduated from Rodman High School in 1943. He entered the U.S. Navy serving his country during WWII. On April. 13, 1947 Wayne married Lula Schnell. They lived and farmed in Iowa near Cylinder, Graettinger and Emmetsburg before moving to their farm in Spring Lake Township in 1959. Wayne sold the farm in September 1997. He lived in Spring Valley for a couple months and then moved to Elmwood where he was presently living. Wayne was an active member of his church and served various offices including President and Vice-President. He was a member of the Crain- Ottman American Legion Post 207 at Elmwood and also served offices at both the local and county level. Wayne enjoyed watching many different sporting activities on television. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife Lula who died in August, 1995; one sister Geraldine L. Helmke and an infant son James Robert who died in 1950. Survivors include 2 children: Edwin Helmke and his wife Cindy of Spring Valley; and Kathryn and her Doug Hinzman of Menomonie; 5 grandchildren: Cally Helmke, Heather and Ryan Hinzman; Becky Marty and Ryan Hines. He is also survived by 1 brother William 'Bill' Helmke of Cylinder, Iowa; 1 sister: Maxine Lenz of Paulina, Iowa; mother-in-law Peryl Schnell of Ruthven, Iowa; brothers and sisters-in-law: Duane Schnell of Mount Pleasant, Iowa; Gelena (George) Marsh of Dexter, Iowa; and Mildred (Emery) Stofferahn of Mesa, Arizona; nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Visitation was held Sunday from 3-6 p.m. at Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley. Funeral services were Monday, January 18, 1999 at Spring Lake Lutheran Church, Spring Valley. Rev. Keith Holste officiated the service with music provided by organist. Dorothy Nelson with congregational singing. Burial was in the Church Cemetery. Honorary bearers were Merlin and Virginia Place. Bearers were Ryan Hinzman, Ryan Hines, Dick Tiffany, Ralph Raymo, Jerry Goman and Gary Peterson. Keehr Funeral Home, Spring Valley handled arrangements. Contributed by Joe Waddell Link: Pierce County WIGenWeb Project URL: <http://www.rootsweb.com/~wipierce/>