Service Details
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances would be appreciated.
Michael S. Hellesen, age 42, passed away very unexpectedly on December 30. 2024.
Michael was born in Racine on November 5, 1982. He was the son of Barbara (nee:Andersen) and the late Charles Hellesen.
Michael loved so many things in life, including cooking. Whether it was doctoring someone’s favorite old recipe, or creating his own, he loved to tantalize others’ tastebuds anytime he could.
Michael’s gift for learning, array of knowledge, and love of podcasts made conversations, and debates, extremely entertaining. He also enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others.
His passion for music was vast, which helped others explore and learn to love music just the same. He even dabbled around playing guitar on his own, and he and his friend formed their own little basement band most often playing Metallica back in the day. He got to enjoy this love later in life with his nephews as well.
Above all things, Michael loved people. He loved helping people every chance he could get. It didn’t matter if he was beyond busy or stressed, he would show up for anyone needing help. He would spark conversations with strangers and kept strong relationships with an extensive list of people throughout his life. Once you were in, you were in.
When Michael could sneak away from his other duties, he loved to join his brother in LaCrosse to help with Riverfest, and would also attend Bristol Renaissance Faire every year.
Before becoming a dedicated caregiver for his mother after the death of his father, working at Olive Garden in Racine helped him form a second family, which he held near and dear to his heart.
Survivors include his mother, Barbara Hellesen; his siblings Christopher Hellesen and Margaret Gustin; his significant other April Zettlemoyer; his nephews, Brian (Abi), Clayton (Alix Morgan), and Kyler Gustin; and a great-niece and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father
Brian Gustin says
You will always be missed and forever in my heart uncle Mike. From the laughs to you teaching me how to play guitar and helping with the band. You always had a way to defuse a situation. Love you Mikey.
Traci Flitsch says
Mike was so loved. I met Mike when I was 16 years old, we kept in touch for years and years after that. From late night coffee at Dennys to playing cards at cyber grounds. Along with other random get together with friends. He was one of the kindest caring people I have known. He will be so missed but forever in our hearts.
Casey Fults says
My family and I will always be touched by all the kindness and joy he gave us. He would bring my daughter her favorite fried lasagna noodles from Olive Garden when she needed cheering up. We both dealt with back pain and we would text each other on bad days and we both understand the pain we were going through and we always tried to find a way to make each other feel better. The world feels a little colder without Mike in it. The Fults Family will miss you dearly.
Jan Van Kammen says
Mikey, from a little boy to an adult, you have always been an interesting person. You have a great mind. You have a deep and loving heart. You are so good with Charley-kitty. No one will forget you. Ever. And we will love you forever. ❤️
Frank Kumosz says
Michael was a positive influence in my life while growing up. He was smart, funny, and kind. My first memory of hanging out with Mike, he invited me to play D&D with a couple of his friends. Once he lent me his acoustic guitar when I was interested in learning to play. I went to my first concert with Michael, Metallica if you couldn’t guess(twice). Michael was always laid back, whether we would discuss books like Dune or The Catcher in the Rye, watch some Eddie Izzard standup, jam in his basement, or just hang out. So many great memories that I will carry with me forever. The world is a little dimmer without you, but may your memory be a light that will never go out.