Barbara Jean Hellhake passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday evening, September 22, 2021 at Terrace Place in Sheboygan. She was 90 years old.
Barbara was born May 22, 1931 in Wausau, WI, the daughter of Clarence and Helen (nee Miller) Goetzman. She graduated from Wausau Senior High School in 1949. On April 14, 1951 she was united in marriage with Richard C. Hellhake at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wausau. The couple celebrated 70 years of marriage this year.
For over 25 years Barbara enjoyed her work with the Sheboygan Recreation Department as a Senior Citizen Advisor.
Barbara was a longtime member of St. Clement Catholic Church, where she was a member of the Altar Society and volunteered countless hours at the school. For over 40 years, she and Dick were members of the Circus Fans Association of America, where she served as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Seils Sterling Tent #79 – Sheboygan, WI. Barbara enjoyed the outdoors and walked 5 miles a day for many years. She also enjoyed reading, gardening, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. An avid storyteller, her family will cherish the wonderful memories she provided them with, as well as the unforgettable Sunday night popcorn and her famous homemade macaroni and cheese.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 70 years, Dick, and their daughters: Amy (Vicente) Rincon of Sheboygan, Lynn (Rick) Hill of Glenbeulah and Claire (Scott) Wenzel of Wauwatosa. She is further survived by 8 grandchildren: Nicholas Rincon, Tanya Jurss (Tim), Heather (Joshua) Stegner, Monica (Alexander) Hart, Grant (Melissa) Hill, Michael Travis (Alyssa), Erin Wenzel and Lily Wenzel; 9 great-grandchildren with another 2 on the way; sister Ruth Arent of Appleton; sister-in-law Donna Goetzman of Wauwatosa; as well as other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Rosemary Mead and brother James Goetzman.
A Memorial Mass celebrating Barbara’s life will be held at 12:00PM on Friday, October 8, 2021 at St. Clement Catholic Church, 707 N. 6th St. in Sheboygan. Father Norberto Sandoval will celebrate mass. The family will receive visitors at the church on Friday from 11:00AM – 12:00PM. Barbara will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Clement Catholic Church.
Wenig Funeral Home – Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com to leave online condolences.
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