- James Daniel Helf, age 88, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 14, 2012 at Appleton Medical Center surrounded by his loving family.
He was born April 13, 1924 in Kaukauna, WI to Richard and Selma (Weber) Helf. Jim graduated from Kaukauna High school class of 1942. He attended one year of college at Oshkosh Teacher's College before enlisting in the Army Air Corps. He served as a first lieutenant, Bombardier and Navigator and completed over 35 missions during WWll. He received numerous commendations including; The Distinguished Flying Cross, Air metal 5 clusters and a Presidential Citation. Following the war he attended and graduated from Ripon College where he also played football and was named to the All American Team. Following his college career he received an offer to play for the Chicago Bears and a letter of interest from the Baltimore Colts. Jim decided instead to put his love for football and kids into teaching Math and coaching football and basketball at Waupun High School.
In 1949 Jim married Dorothy Searle with whom he had 4 sons: Daniel, Kim, Michael and Kris. Jim loved people and was a great conversationalist. He put these talents to use working as a salesman for several shoe companies including 25 years with Wolverine World Wide. Dorothy preceded him in death in 1976.
In May 1985 Jim Married Kathi Dial Dratz. This blended 3 additional children and their families to Jim's life: Steve, Julie Dratz Seemann and Rick Dratz. Jim retired from sales in 1989. Since that time he held various part time jobs including his most recent being an elementary crossing guard which he enjoyed very much. Jim also enjoyed hunting, fishing, garage sales, grocery shopping, and card playing and helping others. Jim was also an avid Packer fan and attended the Ice Bowl.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Kathi, sons, Daniel (Gina) Helf, Appleton; J. Michael (Kari) Helf, Darboy; J. Kris Helf, Green Bay. Stepchildren, Steve (Jane) Dratz, Wheatridge, CO; Julie (Ken) Seemann, Oskaloosa, IA; Rick (Karla) Dratz, Eagan, MN; 18 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Siblings, Janet (Ray) Borree, Kaukauna; Nancy Peterson, (Hank, deceased), Savannah, GA; Jerry Helf, (Sheri, deceased), Appleton; Tom (Judy) Helf, Kaukauna; Richard Helf, (Belle, deceased), Kaukauna; and by numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Kim Helf, and an older brother, Robert Helf.
Family and friends may call at Valley Funeral Home Wednesday, July 18, 2012, 5-8pm and Thursday, July 19, 2012 9:30 am until the service at 10:30 am with Rev. Dick Schaefer officiating.
In Lieu of flowers a memorial fund in Jim's name will be established to provide winter apparel for "elementary children in need".
Online condolences may be made at: www.valleyfh.com.
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent from July 16 to July 17, 2012
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1924 - 2012 (88 years)
Has 8 ancestors and 4 descendants in this family tree.
1930 Census
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