Service Details
Friday, October 7, 2016
Bethania Lutheran Church, 4120 Wright Avenue, Racine
Visitation – 11:00 a.m.
Memorial Service – 1:00 p.m.
Curtis L. Helding, 78, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Tuesday, September 27, 2016. He was born in Racine on April 23, 1938, the son of the late Harold and Leone (nee: Kette) Helding. Curtis graduated from Washington Park High School in 1956. On October 24, 1959, he was married to Barbara Ann Kwapil at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Curtis was the co-owner and operator of General Tool & Die for more than 50 years, a business that was started by his dad, Harold. He liked to play golf and played on the Racine Recreation Senior volleyball and softball teams. He also enjoyed rebuilding and restoring Ford Mustangs.
Curtis is survived by his children, Crystal (Mark) Heinen of Racine, Catherine (Keith) Webster, Cheryl (Raymond) Pye, and Frank (Barbara) Helding all of Mt. Pleasant; 9 grandchildren, Aaron (Chelsea) Dunk, Robert (Momoko) Dunk, Sean (Megan) Dunk, Carisa (Lucien) Nemath, Kyle Webster, Cassandra Webster, Caitlin Webster, Kurtis Webster, and Krystle Ramsey; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters, Diane (Carl) Larrabee and Mary Helding; his mother-in-law, Lily Kwapil; sisters-in-law, JoAnne Cruz and Susan Andersen; brother-in-law, Russell (Jane) Kwapil. He also leaves behind his special friends Wally & Julie Nelson and Don & Karen Greidanus as well as many other relatives and friends. Curtis was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara; his great-granddaughter, Grace Nemath; and brother-in-law Peter Andersen.
Curtis’ awesome children (which is what he often called them) invite you to join them at Bethania Lutheran Church, 4120 Wright Avenue, on Friday, October 7, 2016 for special goodbye to their dad at 1:00 pm. There will be a visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A private interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are suggested.
The family wishes to thank the Racine Fire Department and Police department for their assistance.
Rev. James C. Covert says
Kurt was a terrific fellow. Enjoyed his company, being with him on the church bowling team and at other gatherings. He and Batb were a super couple. God’s blessings to his whole family and rejoice in the final victory he has won.
mary kristzonas says
I knew the Helding family since I was a child by living right across the street from them and I can tell you there are no better people then them always caring giving there for you in every way it broke my heart when barb passed away now kurt they will be sadly missed but will remain in my thoughts and memory until we meet again god bless the family and I pray for them at this difficult time
John Oberst says
I played in the senior volleyball program with Curt. He was a good player and teammate. I will miss him but always have a good thought for Curt.
Tamara Olmstead and Family says
I grew up in the neighborhood my parents are still out there we all grew up together Barb and Curt Helding were the perfect couple and they were like second parents to me I’m really in shock can’t believe there both gone now you had to know them how great of loving kind caring couple they were there gonna be deeply missed until we meet again
Bill Henry says
So Sorry for your loss
thoughts and prayers to you and the family
Eugene Dunk says
Curt Helding was a good man, patient and non-judgemental