Joel Helmke

Helmke, Joel D.

Waunakee:  Joel D. Helmke, age 78, passed away April 14, 2022 surrounded by family.  He was born in Superior, WI on Sept. 17, 1943 a son of the late Otto and Lorraine Helmke.

Joel’s interests were Nascar Races, Badger sports, and the Green Bay Packers.  He loved days on his Harley traveling backroads with friends.  He also liked spending time at the lake, and golfing with friends every Friday.

Joel worked for 45 years as a painter and dry wall finisher for Statz & Harrop.  He was a perfectionist in his work and was proud to leave his name on projects when he was finished.  His co workers always joked that he could paint a whole house and never have a drop on him.

Joel is survived by his partner of 45 years and the love of his life, Karen Zander, his children; Cindy Danz, and Holly Tierney, and two grandchildren; Zachary and Lindsay Jo Tierney.  He is further survived by his sister, Joan (David) Grosse of Waunakee,  brothers Edward (Sheila) Helmke of Cross Plains, Gary Helmke of Middleton, brother-in-law Walter Zander of Reedsburg, and nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Lorraine Helmke, a sister Linda Zander, and grandparents, Edward and Ida Hansen, and otto and Emma Helmke.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 11:00 am, April 28, 2022 at Winn Cress Funeral Home, 5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee, WI  53597. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 am.  In lieu of flowers the family asks memorial donations in Joel’s name to the UW Organ and Tissue Donation program.

The family would like to thank Agrace for their care, and a special thank you to my sister Evelyn for the many hours she sat with me.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Winn-Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee

(608) 849-4513