David Helker

David Helker

April 23, 1947 - January 21, 2020

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Obituary

David G. Helker, 72, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at Alden Estates Skilled Nursing, Jefferson, after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Memorial graveside services will be held on October 24, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery, Platteville with Pastor Karen Candee officiating. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, is assisting the family. Memorials may be made in David's name to Agrace Hospice Care of Madison or the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Wisconsin. Online condolences may be made at www.melbyfh.com. Please follow Covid-19 safety standards if attending the service.

David was born on April 23,1947 in Platteville, Wisconsin, son of Richard and Charlotte (Simonson) Helker. He graduated from Platteville High School. As a young boy, he spent many hours fishing on the Little Platte River near the family farm. David attended college, majoring in Art and expressed his talent in drawing and the skill of checkering gun stocks. As a young man he worked on the family farm in Harrison Township near Platteville. He also was employed at John Deere in Dubuque, Iowa and the Chrysler Corp. in Belvidere, Illinois. He enjoyed drawing, horseback riding, hunting, snowmobiling, archery and shooting pool, and entered competitions in some of these interests.

He is survived by his children, Tiffani (Jim) Heeren, Matthew Helker, and Kristin (John Leonard) Helker; four grandchildren; Lily, Isaac, and Ashlyn Heeren, and Josie Leonard all of Madison. He is also survived by his two sisters, Linda (Bill) Kolar of Middleton and their children, and Patty (Henry) Strathman of Dubuque. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Ezra Lyon of Wingra Clinic, St. Mary's Hospital staff, Agrace Hospice of Madison, and Alden Estates staff for all the care and kindness given to David.

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David
MB
MICHELE DIANE BARTELS
Other •
my deepest sympathy, God bless you all, hugs!!
NT
Nancy and Randy Trachte
Other •
Matt, Tiffani, and Kristin-- I was sad to see your dad's obituary in the paper. I hope you are all doing well. God bless. Randy and Nancy
BM
Barbara Naze Morgan
Other •
The class of '65 will always have Dave in our hearts,,,,, our thoughts and prayers are with you
DB
Dorothy Beckwith
Other •
To the Helker family: my condolences on the loss of David. You all will not remember me but your entire family were guests in our home in Galena many times as you visited with Louise Klett who resided with us. And we, in turn, took Lou to your farm as we were all guests at your home. The memories are distant ones, but kept in affection for all of you. I am sorry to hear of David's death. Dorothy Beckwith
PE
Peggy L Elwell
Other •
Linda and Patty ~ Our family was sad to hear about Dave passing away. However his battle if finally over and he is at peace. Your family was such a huge part of our family, I see your Mom sitting in the kitchen and every time Nancy and I came up I know we got on Dave's nerves. It was probably something we did on purpose. Mom wanted to come to the service but we are real protective of her and don't let her get out in crowds. You have our deepest sympathies.

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