William Eugene Hellesen

~~Racine – William Eugene “Bill” Hellesen, age 84, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 12, 2014.  Bill was born in Racine, WI on April 21, 1929, the son of the late Neils Emil and Anna (nee: Larson) Hellesen. He graduated from Washington Park High School in 1946.  While attending Park he became a skilled trumpet player in the band and long distance runner on the track team.  On October 1, 1977 in First Church of God, he was united in marriage to his best friend, Helene M. (nee: Petersen) Hellesen.
 
Bill was employed as a Truck and Automotive Mechanic by the City of Racine Department of Public Works, he retired in 1995, after 15 years of dedicated service.  William was also a self-employed mechanic, specializing in dashboard and speedometer work, known as “Bills Speedometer”.  He loved and had a special gift for doing puzzles of all kinds, from a ten to three thousand pieces puzzle to New York Times crosswords, he was a master of them all. Bill was a very proud, strong and faithful member of Alcoholics Anonymous, where their primary purpose is to “stay sober and help others alcoholics to achieve sobriety”, he became a living example of this.  Bill achieved 37 years of continuous sobriety.  He was very active within the organization, Bill held every position available until finally there were no more positions for him to acquire.   He held meetings in the jails and prisons, he was in charge of central office for several years and he even served as a New York Delegate.  Bill motivated and encouraged countless people during his lifetime. There were no greater witnesses to this extraordinary man than his loving family.  Above all else, Bill loved spending time and caring for the needs of his entire family.

Surviving are his loving wife, Helene; sons, William R. Hellesen and Timothy (Gail) Hellesen both of Racine; daughters, Sheila R. Jones of Fort Worth, TX, Shannon M. Jones, Karen Jacobs, both of Racine; Lori Branthoover of Louisville, KY, Kathy and Cindy Hellesen both of Racine; grandchildren, Shannon H. and Kayla M. Jones, Ryan Hellesen, Rick Branthoover, Chad (Melissa) Branthoover, Todd (Amber) Branthoover, April Jacobs (Joshua Duck), Jason Hess, Stephanie O’Brian, Sara and Sabrina Hellesen, Valerie Chacon, LeAnn Hellesen, Jeremy Marquez and Zachary Hellesen; eight great grandchildren; his faithful friend, Sadie, as well as many other nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brother,  Harold Hellesen, sister, Joy Rowle and his longtime pal, Cocoa.

A celebration of his life will be held in the funeral home on Monday, March 17th at 11:00am. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday, March 16 from 3 – 6pm and on Monday, from 10am until the time of the service.  Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park.