Obituary
Harry Gene Helfrich
I wanted to write my own farewell. So, here goes. Enjoy, no tears please.
I was born September 27, 1953 to Harry E and Donna J Helfrich. On May 8, 2025 I passed away, went to my lord, left this world, oh hell I’m dead after battling ALS for over 6 years.
I graduated from Logan High School in 1971. Enlisted in the US Navy in 1971 and honorably discharged in 1975. I spent most of my time in the Navy stationed in San Diego on the USS Samuel Gompers. Made a full and a partial West Pac. I received degrees from Western Technical College in 1979 and Viterbo College in 1982.
I had a great career in Real Estate as well as the Appraisal Business for over 40 years.
On December 18, 1971 I married the love of my life, Vicky Kauffman. She was a girl I met in 6th grade and knew then she would be my wife. We were blessed with a daughter Dawn Marie, my second love of my life.
Preceding me in death was my wonderful father-in-law, Ira Kauffman, both of my parents; Harry and Donna Helfrich, my great granddaughter Reyna Lynn Gran, grand parents and other family members from the Helfrich, Smith, Kauffman and Freng sides. As well as many close friends.
I am survived by my wife Vicky, daughter Dawn, Robert Pfaff, grandchildren; Kyle (Maggie) Gran, Jaymee (Bryant) Seielstad, and Wyatt Helfrich. Great grandchildren; Jaxon, Taron, Addison, Kinslee and Landynn. My sister Bonnie (John) Baker; brother John (Sheila) Helfrich; Mother-in-law Lorna (Freng) Kauffman; brother-in-law Brad (Pat) Kauffman; sister-in-law Rhonda (Matt) Rude, many nieces and nephews.
In summary, I grew up on the Northside of La Crosse. I served my country for 4 years in the US Navy. Became a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather (also known as Double G). I earned college degrees, had a very successful business in appraisal. I loved golf, but wasn’t very good, had a high handicap. But, I did have 3 holes in one at Cedar Creek #14. Not bad for a hacker. I have a great family and more good friends than I can count.
God has blessed me with more than I can imagine. “Good friends are like stars, you don’t always see them but you know they always are there”. I have been dealing with ALS for the past 6 years, so I want to send a big thank you to Dr. Leone and the whole ALS team at Gundersen. Vicky, Dawn and Jaymee have taken care of me and have always been there for me. I want everyone to know that I am fine. I love my family and friends and always remember “it is what it is”. See you all on the other side!
Memorial service will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1010 Sill St., La Crosse. Military Honors will follow the service. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Celebration of Life will take place after the memorial service on Friday at Cedar Creek Golf Club, Onalaska, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.
I love the obituary you wrote Harry, and although I will forever miss you and love you, all I gotta do is read this, in your own words, and it will feel like we’re together again. Thank you for being a beautiful example of acceptance of God’s will be done in our lives. You are one of the best, and I have been blessed with your friendship for so many years I can’t even remember. See you on the other side Harry.
Sandy and Tom Thompson
Jack & I we’re so glad to have met You & Vicky in Arizona
we will always remember ‘You’ Harry when we look out at the flag pole and see the Brightness of the light
you requested (to Jack)if he could add more light on the Flag for u to see from your condo 😊
Yes We will see you on the Other side Harry🙏
Harry, you made me smile! You will definitely be missed!
It was a real privilege to have known you!
Hugs to Vicki and family❣️
Harry was truly one of a kind! He NEVER had anything bad to say about a person, place or thing! We were honored to have had him as our friend! He will be missed by anyone that knew him!
He is now out of pain and is able to reunite with friends and family that have passed before him.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Vicki and her family. We were very sorry to hear of their loss. Big Hugs and kisses go out to them!!
Our deepest condolences to Vicky and her family. We got to know Harry (we called him ‘Butch’) through our friendship with John and Bonnie. We were part of a memorable Caribbean cruise when Harry and Vicky decided to show up as surprise cruisers. We were in on the surprise. It was a thrill to see Bonnie’s shocked look when they suddenly appeared!
There were other memories as well. But what made Harry so special was his low keyed style and personality. He seemed to be always at ease.
In his memory we will be making a contribution to the Gundersen ALS (not the bucket challenge!) in Harry’s name.
Love,
Rob and Ellen Hooper
I’m not a Logan grad….but I’ve always admired the Logan class of “71” which included Harry and Vicky.
Harry was just a down to earth great guy who always had something positive to share with you. I know he loved Vicky, Dawn and the rest of his family very much and all of his friends will dearly miss him.
Harry….”you left us way too soon…but we’ll see you in Heaven some day.” God bless the Helfrich family you have my deepest sympathies.
Harry was my 1st boss. I interviewed while still attending WWTC and he hired me. He had left his job to strike out on his own as a real estate appraiser. I came with steno book in hand and would take appraisal notes by shorthand. Harry later bought a Brother typewriter that had memory so I could put alot of the common terminology in the memory! wow!
Later as the office grew and more appraisers came on board we progressed to word processors and then computers. Vicky was always part of Harry’s conversations with me. I met her and knew instantly why Harry was always talking about her! Their love was always apparent!
Harry was the most kind, compassionate and fun boss ever. He and Vicky became lifelong friends with me and my husband.
Fun doesn’t even start to describe going to a Catbirds game with them!
Harry will be missed but never ever forgotten!
Hugs Vicky and Dawn!
The bond of a Brother is everlasting. It endures a lifetime for both the one still here and the one who has gone ahead. Memories are all that I have to hold onto until we are reunited. I rejoice in the fact that you were my Brother. Always have, always will be. Love you Brother….
John Helfrich
My prayers and sympathy to you, Vicky, and your family in the loss of your loved one. May he rest in peace. He wrote a great obituary.
our deepest sympathy to Vicky, Dawn, Rhonda & Matt and family.
Harry wrote an obituary for the ages; his faith and love for his family tells the story. Sending prayers to Vicky and the entire family. Fore in Heaven!
To John and family.Please accept my sincere sympathy on the death of Harry. May you all find comfort and strength knowing he is free of pain and enjoying his heavenly reward.
I felt more like a sister than an aunt. All four of us, Bonnie, Butch, John and myself had many fun times when kids. Almost every Sunday we were together and many times went to the woods and built forts. That was just one memory of many. May faith in God help relieve the heartache in our hearts.🙏🏻
I am very thankful for the many times we spent together on cruises, time in Arizona and Wisconsin. You will always be Butch to me. I miss you and I love you dearly. Sleep well my dear brother.
My condolences to the family of Harry, who I always knew as Butch. All the wonderful memories you have of your time together will guide you through this difficult time.
Harry your strength and courage and positive outlook in life was so Amazing. We will remember you and Vicky always. Had some wonderful memories with you guys in Fountainhills. So glad we had the chance to meet you and Vicky and share some great times. RIP our friend.✝️
Our warmest thoughts and prayers for you, Vicky, and your family. Harry was loved by so many and will be greatly missed. His courage in facing death was a true testament of his faith. May you find peace in his passing knowing that he is with God and no longer suffering. Love, Sandi and Allen
Harry and Vicki, when you left Fountain Hills, we all missed ya so! Enjoyed our many visits by the pool. Our greatest blessing from you is your love and faith in Christ our Lord! You both were so open and thankful for all He is and has done!
Even though our relationship was a short one, we cherished our time with you both.
Yes, we will meet again by His Grace! ❤️❤️. Roger and Leigh.
Harry, you will be remembered as one of the very best professional appraisers in the Coulee Region. God says in His house there are many mansions he prepares for us. I hope you’re in a great one!
Vicky and Dawn, I was so sad to hear of Harry’s illness: but what a wonderful message he wrote here! I hear his voice in every word!
I will remember him not only for his professionalism, but also his willingness to talk a case, teach and advise, and his eternally positive outlook. I always enjoyed working with him! It was said earlier-but he really will be remembered as one of the best, and you have my deepest sympathies for your loss.
Vicky our condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Lean on each other. Words cannot express the sorrow and grief you have, but know the good lord will get you through this.
Harry & Vicky thank you so much for our Sunday a.m. visits after Church. Harry thanks again for your appraisals that were always beneficial. Thanks for always being a Professional gem. Super job on your life with Vicki, Family, and 🧡 Friends. We truly were blessed by yours and Vicky’s Friendship
Harry & Vicky thank you so much for our Sunday a.m. visits after Church. Harry thanks again for your appraisals that were always beneficial. Thanks for always being a Professional gem. Super job on your life with Vicki, Family, and 🧡 Friends. We truly were blessed by yours and Vicky’s Friendship
Harry had a way of making you smile even if it was your worst day ever. Once again, he made me smile reading his obituary. My deepest sympathy to Vickie and family.
Harry & Vicky thank you so much for our Sunday a.m. visits after Church. Harry thanks again for your appraisals that were always beneficial. Thanks for always being a Professional gem. Super job on your life with Vicki, Family, and 🧡 Friends. We truly were blessed by yours and Vicky’s Friendship
Vicky, Dawn and family, Harry was a man of character and compassion and left a positive impression on all those he touched. He sincerely gave of himself to others. He will be missed but always remembered with a smile. Rest in peace, Harry. Love, Monika & Tom
From confirmation to Luther League, high school classes together, appraising my Mothers home and a great visit with you and Vicky at our lake house in Webster just a few days before your ALS diagnosis, I treasure our time and pray for you. You are truly in the arms of Jesus . God Bless Vicky, Dawn and your family. You will be missed. Nina (Briggs) Weiss
Dear Vicky, Dawn and Family,
I remember you-Vicky and Harry from Luther League at Bethel. I have many great memories.
I am so sorry to see that Harry passed away. He was such a nice guy! Cherish all of your wonderful memories, as they will be with you forever!
My Sincere Sympathy to All of You.
So sorry to hear of your passing Harry. Writing your own obituary is totally you.
My thoughts are with Vicky and your family. It was always a treat to get to chat with you on the phone when we were talking about a rush request or something “odd” that would come up when you were working up a report that I was working with. You always made my day!! You were one of a kind!
Vicky so sorry to hear about Harry…. Harry I believe I was at Cedar when you got one of your hole in ones… I didn’t witness it but I’m sure you bought be a beer!!!’ Luv ya brother !!!!!
Our sincere condolences Vicki, to you and your family. Harry will be missed. Such a friendly guy who always made us smile. And we loved his obituary.