Merritt Orin Helmer, 77, of Fond du Lac died unexpectedly Monday Sept. 7, 2009 at St. Agnes Hospital surrounded by family. He was born August 4, 1932 in Fond du Lac, WI the son of the late Wayland S. and Bertha Bushman Helmer. Merritt grew up on the family farm in Campbellsport. He attended Virgin Creek Grade School in the township of Auburn and graduated from Campbellsport High School in 1950 where he was a member of the band, FFA and president of his senior class. After graduating from high school he attended Coyne Electrical School in Chicago and worked with his father as a construction electrician, taking over the business, Helmer Electric in 1960 which he operated in Campbellsport until moving to Fond du Lac in 1973. He continued working as an Electrical Contractor in Fond du Lac establishing H.E.I. with John Wehner in 1991. After retiring in 1998 he continued in his trade working with his son Jim at Ledgeview Electric Inc. and Phil Majerus Enterprises until the time of his death. He married Rosemary Bastian on April 29, 1957 in Spokane, WA. Merritt attended and was an active member of Memorial Baptist Church in Fond du Lac. Merritt was a great storyteller, noted for “Merrittisms” such as “I don’t think that’s very funny!” He loved to travel and spend time with his family especially his grandchildren and many friends. His main hobby was his work which he thoroughly enjoyed. Survivors include his wife Rosemary, one son Jim (Judy), 3 daughters: Sue (Mark) Sonnentag, Beth (Mark) Ewerdt and Jean (Rodger) Schneider all of Fond du Lac, 8 grandchildren: Joshua, Jessica and Jacob Helmer, Justin and Shawn (Tara) Sonnentag, Jeremiah and Alexandra Mohr (and their father Dan), Nathaniel Schneider and 3 step grandsons: Brian (Sarah), Benjamin (Jennifer) and Aaron (Amy) Ewerdt and 5 Step great grandchildren, He is further survived by 2 sisters: Phyllis Helmer and Nancy (Robert) Tuck, sisters-in-law Alice (Joseph) Ossoff, JoAnn (Larry) Towne and Darcy (John) Rahjes, cousin Janet Hendricks-Quick as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law Oscar and Grace Bastian, sister Dr. Mary Schmidt and brother-in-law Dr. Carl Schmidt. Memorial services will be held Friday Sept. 11, 2009 at 11:00 AM at the Memorial Baptist Church 646 Forest Avenue in Fond du Lac with the Rev. Brian Hastings officiating. Friends may call at the church on Thursday September 10th from 4PM until 8PM and on Friday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service. Cremation has taken place. Private family burial will take place at 2 PM on Sunday Sept. 13 at the Union Cemetery in Campbellsport. The Twohig Funeral Home is assisting the family. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Memorial Baptist Church Property Improvement Fund. Online guest book and condolences at www.twohigfunerals.com
To order
memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Merritt Orin Helmer, please visit our
flower store.
