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
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.
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.