Racine – Joyce Elaine (nee: Nelson) Helvick, age 88, passed away peacefully at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center on Wednesday, January 13, 2016.
A lifetime resident, Joyce was born in Racine on July 19, 1927 to the late Harold and Edna (nee: Poole) Nelson. She attended Trinity Lutheran School and graduated from Washington Park High School. On July 12, 1947 in Trinity Lutheran Church, Joyce was united in marriage with the love of her life, Gordon H. Helvick, who preceded her in death on October 22, 1988.
Joyce was employed by Piggly Wiggly on Taylor Avenue for over 30 years. She was a charter member of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection where she had taught Sunday School for many years. Always on the go….Joyce bowled at Paradise and Castle Lanes; golfed at Washington Park, South Hills and Ives Grove; volunteered at Westview Nursing Home; played cards with dear friends; and went on many bus trips over the years. Above all, she was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who loved spending time with her entire family.
Surviving are her sons, Donald (Deborah) Helvick and Robert (Cori) Helvick; grandchildren, Kristen (Jonathan) Andersen, Kathryne (Christopher) Kupper, Stephen (Amy) Helvick and Michael Helvick; great-grandchildren, Erik, William, Annalise and Josephine Andersen; Alexis, Paige and Chelsea Kupper; Alex and Zachary Helvick; sister, Lucille Cherney; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends – too numerous to mention by name.
In addition to her parents and husband, Joyce was preceded in death by her grandson, Jason Helvick; sisters, Marilyn Clausen and Delores (Joseph Jr.) Small; Gordon’s parents, Robert and Ethel Helvick; and sisters-in-law, Alice (Bernie) Okon, Betty (Ralph) Bassinger, Doris (Earl) Neu and Shirley (Wes) Pottinger.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 18, 2016 at 12:00 noon in Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 322 Ohio Street, with Janice Navarro, AIM officiating. A luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in the church on Monday from 11 am – 12 noon. In accordance to Joyce’s wishes, cremation has taken place and private inurnment will be in West Lawn Memorial Park. Memorials to the “Wounded Warrior Project” or to “St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to the Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints 3rd Floor staff (especially Pam, RN) for the compassionate care and for making a difficult time…a little bit easier. May God bless all of you!
Sandy Sorensen says
I’m so sorry for your lose. I bowled with her at Castle Lanes on Tuesdays. She was a great lady. I never knew that I went to school with her sister and your Aunt Marilyn Clausen. Small world. I’ll miss them both dearly. Sandy Sorensen