William Edward Helmlinger, 95, Bremen, died, Thursday, May 19, 2016, at Elkhart General Hospital. He was born Jan. 8, 1921, in Bremen, to William and Laura Emma (Kiefer) Helmlinger.

On January 30, 1946, he married Helen Louise Dobelstein at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bremen.

He was a life-long resident of Bremen. After graduating from Bremen High School in 1939, he attended Ft. Wayne Business College where he earned a degree. He then worked in the office of the Pennsylvania Railroad Fort Wayne Indiana Local Freight until his enlistment in the U.S. Navy in July 1942. He served aboard a Landing Ship Tank (LST) with the rank of Quartermaster First Class. After his discharge in 1948, he worked for Liberty Coach. After this he became Business Manager for the office of Drs. Bowen, Stine, and Burket until his retirement.

Outside of work, he served in many capacities at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, frequently traveled after retirement, and was an avid sports fan. He was a long-suffering fan of the Chicago Cubs and true to his positive personality, always reminded his grandsons and anyone else who would listen that “this was their year.”

He is survived by his daughter: Cheryl (Charles) Wildauer of Allen, Texas; a son: William (Suzi) Helmlinger of Portland; Ore.; son-in-law: Rev. Len (Kateri) Wildauer of Trego, Wis.; grandchildren: Matthew Wildauer; Andrew (Jessica) Wildauer; Micah (Robin) Wildauer; Kai (Lyn) Berry-Helmlinger; Arick (Leesa) Helmlinger; Mark (Heidi) Wildauer; and ten great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by Helen, his wife of 59 years; a daughter: Judith Wildauer; two grandchildren: Benjamin and Timothy; three sisters: Ruth, Frieda, and Mary, and infant brother: Louis.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Monday, May 23, at Mishler Funeral Home, 2030 St. Rd. 331, Bremen. A Memorial Service of celebration of his life in Christ will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 24, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 605 S. Center St., Bremen, where he was a life-long member.

Rev. Roger Rohde and Rev. Neil Wonnacott will officiate. A private committal service will take place at the Bremen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials given to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School Building Fund or St. Paul’s Lutheran School Tuition Aid Fund.