Steven “Chris” Helmer, passed away Sunday evening, August 11, 2024 at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice surrounded by his family, following a 2 year battle with cancer. He was 52 years old.
Chris was born August 25, 1971 in Plymouth, the son of Steven and Cathy (Schultz) Helmer. Growing up, Chris belonged to 4H, enjoyed visits to his grandparent’s farm, played high school football and track, spent many hours as bat boy on the softball diamond with his family, looked forward to playing Dungeons and Dragons with his buddies, and attended church retreats through his home church, St. Paul’s Lutheran in Cascade. He graduated from Plymouth High School in 1989 and went on to graduate from UW Milwaukee in 1997 with a degree in special education, and in 2011 with his Master’s in Education Administration.
Chris worked as a special education teacher in Milwaukee, for the Howard-Suamaco School District, and most recently at Fairview Elementary in Plymouth. In 2023, he became the Principal (aka Jedi Educational Master) of Horizon Elementary School in Plymouth, a role he cherished and took great pride in. Education was Chris’ true calling in life; he loved being able to influence and be part of his students’ lives. He gave his all to his school district and students, even amidst his battle with cancer.
In 2004, Chris was united in marriage with Tina Anderson in Cascade. The couple had two sons, Brennan and Ryan, who Chris raised with a strong moral compass. He was a devoted husband and father, who the boys relied on for pancakes every Saturday morning.
Chris was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sheboygan Falls, and was actively involved at Camp Y-Koda for much of his life. An avid Packer and Badger fan, he loved Star Wars, sci-fi, history, WWII and Mustangs. He enjoyed bicycling, bird watching and looked forward to weekly poker games and his annual Cottage weekend with “the Boys”.
Chris was humble, kind, patient, and pure of heart with a perfectly timed sense of humor; he was an exceptional male role model and father figure to many. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he influenced as a father, brother, educator and friend.
Chris is survived by his wife Tina Helmer and their sons, Brennan and Ryan, all of Sheboygan Falls; his parents Steven and Cathy Helmer of Plymouth, sisters Tracy (Drew) Kreisa and Holly (Jeremy) Green, both of Plymouth; brothers-in-law LeRoy Anderson Jr. of Ashland and Palmer (Lori) Anderson of Withee; nephew and nieces: Dallas, Dakota and Austin Kreisa and Brianna Green; aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, the cottage boys, and many friends and colleagues.
He is preceded in death by his father-in-law LeRoy Anderson Sr., grandparents Carl and Helen Helmer and William Jr. and Alice Schultz, and his beloved aunt Carleen Pickruhn.
A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00PM noon on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sheboygan Falls. All are welcome to view a livestream of the service on Chris’ obituary page at www.wenigfh.com . The family will receive visitors at the church on Tuesday, August 20 from 3:00-6:00PM and again on Wednesday from 11:00AM-12:00pm noon. Please wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt to help celebrate Chris’ life.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to be put towards a scholarship in his name.
The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Plymouth School District, Chiro Health, Lombardi Cancer Clinic, Aurora Hospital and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their compassionate and supportive care.
Wenig Funeral Home – Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is assisting the family. Please visit www.wenigfh.com for online condolences.
“Much to learn you still have, this is just the beginning.” – Yoda
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