Gerald F. Helz, 91, of Racine passed away Thursday, August 4, 2016 in The Addison of Pleasant Prairie. He was born January 6, 1925 in Milwaukee, the son of Alfred and Dolores (Nee: Wagner) Helz. He married Frances M. Mertens August 28, 1948 in Sacred Heart Parish of Racine. Frances passed away August 12, 2013. Gerald was a Project Manager for Johnson Wax and retired on January 2, 1986. He proudly served his country with the US Army from March of 1943 to January 1946. He was a member of the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post 10301 and a former member of the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge 437. He also belonged to the S.C. Johnson 20 year Club and the Deutscher Manner Verein (German Men’s Club) Gerald was an avid reader, loved playing cards, fishing on the Mississippi River and was an exceptional cook. He was a devoted husband and enjoyed spending time with his family. He will be deeply missed by his 4 children, Carol (Robert) Twist, Janice Kopulos, Nancy (Stan) LaSota, and Michael (Joyce) Helz. 8 grandchildren, Rachel (Chris), Renee (Scott), Genevieve (David), Anthony, Emily (Tony), Sarah (Jim), Christian (Eleni) and Katie (Jamie) along with 11 great-grandchildren, Angelina, Lilyanna, Ty, Talia, Marivell, Alixandria, Santino, Gianna, Aliza, Kayla, Halle and three more on the way. He is also survived by a brother and sister in law Gerald and Sylvia Mertens, along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, 1 brother Donald Helz, 1 sister Claire Jacobi and a brother-in-law William Mertens. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2201 Northwestern Ave. Racine on Wednesday August 10,2016 at 10 am. The family will receive guests on Wednesday August 10, 2016 in the church from 9 am until the time of service. Burial will follow in the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The family would like to send a special Thank you to the staff of The Addison of Pleasant Prairie for their compassionate care of Jerry.
Gerald F. Helz
