Eugene Helmer
Eugene Helmer age 83, of Elmwood, died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday October 26, 2016 at his home at the Welcome Home Assisted Living in Elmwood.
Gene was born on February 24, 1933 to Ernest and Lillian (Warnberg) Helmer. He spent his youth on his family’s farm in Beldenville, rural Ellsworth. Gene worked as a ranch hand in Montana during his teens. He then enlisted into the U.S. Airforce during the Korean Conflict and was Honorably Discharged. He worked as a mechanic and operated a gas station in Ellsworth. Gene also drove truck for Ellsworth Bottling Co. Gene married Goldie Bye in 1956 and together they had a son, Gene “Butch” and a daughter, Debbie. He worked in law enforcement for 29 years, first in Ellsworth and then Gene moved to Elmwood in 1970 to accept the job of Chief of Police for the Village of Elmwood. He helped establish both the Ellsworth and Elmwood Ambulance Services, served as the director of the Elmwood Ambulance Services for several years and was one of Wisconsin’s earliest EMTs. Gene married Gail (Olstad) Miley in 1977, while living in Elmwood. He also drove school bus and worked maintenance for the Heritage of Elmwood Nursing Home in Elmwood. For the last five years, Gene and Gail have made their home in the Welcome Home Assisted Living in Elmwood.
Gene enjoyed working on cars, reading and mowing the yard. Most of all Gene loved to spend time with family and friends.
Gene is survived by his wife; Gail, children; Butch and Debbie Helmer, both of Elmwood, Shaun (Jacki) Miley of Cape Coral, FL, Aaron (Laura) Miley of Dallas, grandchildren; Nick (Rhonda), Luke (Heather), Isaac, Jonah, Haddie and Ayda, great grandsons; Deagon, Tristan, Noah, Ehren, three sisters; Delaine Peterson of Red Wing, MN, Edith Azure of St. Paul, MN and Dorothy Muto of Phoenix, AZ, one brother; Dennis of Beldenville, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister; Betty Young two brothers; Clarence and Donald and his ex-wife; Goldie Helmer.
Funeral Services will be 1:00 PM Monday October 31, 2106 at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Elmwood with Rev. Arvid Moin officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Crain-Ottman American Legion Post 207 of Elmwood.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 PM Sunday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Elmwood and one hour prior to services at the funeral home on Monday.