Donald J. Helfrich

Donald J. Helfrich, 91, of La Crosse passed away Monday, October 1, 2018 peacefully in his sleep at home. Don was born in La Crosse to Joseph and Clara (Weiland) Helfrich on June 18, 1927. Don started working at an early age and largely supported himself from the age of 16, as his parents worked a farm. He graduated from Aquinas High School. Don had proudly served his country with the United States Navy from 1945 to 1947. He married Lorraine A. Tomsicek and they moved to Faribault, MN. where they operated a café for a few years. They returned to La Crosse and Don worked in construction and the former Flor Shop; he wallpapered in hundreds of homes and did window treatments until about 80. He was outgoing and enjoyed friends. A man of deep faith, Don was a lifelong member of Mary Mother of the Church Parish. He was also a member of the American Legion & La Crosse Moose Club. Don enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. with Lorraine. He was a master at scroll sawing and created well over 1,000 items to give as gifts and sell at the Gifted Hands store.

Don is survived by his three daughters, Mary (Eric) Hennen, Elizabeth (Glen) Sharpe of Suwanee, Ga., and Joanne Dierkop (special person Al Cywinski) of La Crosse. He also enjoyed the company of three grandchildren, Jessica Dierkop, David (Daimeng) and Michael Sharpe; a step-granddaughter, Ashley (Dean) Fuller; and step great grandchildren, Aubrie, Aundrea, Logan, Liam and Ava. He has one sister Carol (Richard) Hobbs; sisters-in-law, Helen Helfrich, Rita Helfrich and Anita Helfrich; a brother-in-law Cliff (Theresa) Tomsicek and many treasured nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death in 2016 was his wife, Lorraine, of 67 years; and an infant daughter, Debbie, at birth; a sister, Jeanette Boehm and her husband, Robert; brothers, Jerry and Joe, Kenneth; and sister; Lorraine Linhart and her husband, Don; sister-in-law, Virginia Sorensen and her husband, Elmo.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday October 5, 2018 at Mary Mother of the Church Parish at 2006 Weston St., La Crosse. The Rev. Brian D. Konopa will officiate. Private family burial will take place in the Catholic Cemetery at a later date. Friends may call on the family from 9:00 a.m. until the 10:00 am Mass, Friday morning.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Mary, Mother of the Church.