Gerald G. Helf

Went peacefully into the arms of our Savior on January 7, 2013 at the age of 89. Beloved and devoted husband of 54 years to Mary. Proud father to Tony (Ellen), George (Linda) and Marianne (Jim). Caring grandpa of Shanna, Marisa, Cole, Adam, JuJu and Will. Dear friend and brother to Jeanne. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by brothers Aurel, Jerome, Marcel and sisters Ceil and Doris. A Marquette grad, Jerry's quantitative skills were employed by the State of Wisconsin for more than 30 years, but his work did not define him. Jerry was a woodworking perfectionist, frustrated golfer, suburban farmer who believed gardens should do more than just look pretty and an eager do-it-yourselfer willing to make Popular Mechanics articles come to life. He was enthusiastic in sharing his love of camping with his family, hoping they would come to appreciate its appeal (they mostly did). Gifted with the pen, Jerry brought the seemingly ordinary to life and left behind many journals of his daily musings as well as boxes of letters received from his kids a true gift to his family. Visitation on Friday, January 11 at St Charles Borromeo (5571 S Marilyn St, Milwaukee) from 10 to 11 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. Internment to follow at St Adalbert Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be sent to the Alzheimer's Association (http://www.alz.org/). Max A. Sass and Sons Greenridge Directors 414-282-4050 http://www.maxsass.com/