Lyle E. Helke

Lyle Eldred Helke, 82, of Stoddard, Wisconsin passed away on December 25, 2024, at Gundersen Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse. 

He was born December 8, 1942, in La Crosse, WI to Arnold and Dorothy (Groth) Helke. Lyle was baptized and confirmed at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Stoddard, WI, where he remained a lifelong member. He graduated from La Crosse Central High and enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1960. Lyle was united in marriage to Ardell Winsky on October 23, 1965, in La Crescent, MN.

Lyle was employed at Mount La Crosse, the Tobacco Pool, Hoerner Waldorf/Champion International, and then gradually started his own painting business, Helke Painting. He enjoyed driving his 1967 Plymouth Sport Fury, fishing, gardening, dancing, and listening to Polka and old-time music. His faith, family, and friends were a testimony to his life and the legacy of his love.

He is survived by his wife, Ardell; daughters, Kim Thompson and Karla (Shawn) Wortman; grandsons, Jonathan, Andrew, Caleb, and Kyle; brother, Arvin (Linda) Helke; sister, Karen (John) Bowser; brothers-in-law, Leonard Stettner and David (Judy) Winsky, and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Marie Stettner and Doris Langaard; and brother-in-law, Bill Jeffers. 

Visitation will be held at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crosse on Sunday, Jan.5th from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Stoddard on Monday, Jan.6th at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to services. Burial will be at the Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery on South Ridge in La Crescent, MN following the luncheon. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Matthew’s Church, Luther High School, or the Stoddard Fire Dept. 

Forever in our hearts…

Miss you much “Butch” but love you more