Clyde Helein

Clyde "Lefty" Helein

85 of Appleton, peacefully entered the arms of His Lord Jesus Christ on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at AMC hospital, warmly embraced by his loving family. He was born on January 30, 1929, son to the late Michael and Margaret (Ebben) Helein. Clyde, a 1947 graduate of Seymour High School, was a trombone player in the marching band and participated in many sports; boxing his favorite. He married the true love of his life, Marion "Deede" Verbeten on October 21, 1953 at St. John's Catholic Church, Seymour. They very recently celebrated 61 years of marriage.

Lefty was a dairy farmer in Seymour until 1968, after which time he moved to Appleton and became an Inventory Controller at Foxland Harvestor, retiring after 24 years. He was a volunteer at Appleton Medical Center for 12 years, and recently at Bethesda Thrift Store where he satisfied his love for tinkering. Lefty's hobbies included gardening and woodworking--especially making bird houses and lawn ornaments. Above all, he loved the time he spent at his cottage on Boundry Lake. His proudest accomplishments were his wife and family. He also had many cherished memories with neighbors, friends and, especially, "The Group."

Lefty was an active, long time member of St. Therese Catholic Church, Appleton. Here he faithfully served the Lord through ushering and Eucharistic Ministry, serving for funerals and as a member of the Catholic Knights Society.

He is survived by his wife Marion, six daughters: Karen (Todd) Dontje, Kathy (Curt)Konetzke and Kay (Pete) Rickert all of Appleton; Kathleen (Michael) Frohna, Green Bay; Kristine (Tom) Kolb, Sherwood and Kelly (Scott) Johanning, Muskego WI; 17 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; his in-laws: Lorraine VanVreede, Florence (Jack) DeGoey , Evie Verbeten, Doris Verbeten and Lois Gonnering; also Carol (Ron) DeBruin. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Mike and Margaret Helein, an infant son, his sister Marcella (John) Schommer, stepmother Bernice Helein, his in-laws: Helen and Harold Verbeten, Harvey VanVreede, Earl and Betty Verbeten, Blanche and Jerry Pynenberg, Ralph, Robert and Marlon Verbeten and Donald Gonnering.

A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 213 E. Wisconsin Ave., Appleton, with Father Dennis Ryan officiating. Family and friends may visit Friday from 4 - 7 p.m. at the Brettschneider-Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel, and directly at church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Parish Prayer Service will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday at the funeral chapel, Deacon Tony Abts officiating.

The family would like to give special thanks to our wonderful neighbors; especially Dave and Jill Miller, and the staff on the 6th floor east at AMC.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.