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WARD HELLSTROM Obituary

HELLSTROM, WARD

Live Oak, FL - Ward Hellstrom, 82, of Live Oak, FL died on Wednesday, October 23, 2012 during hip surgery at North Florida Regional Hospital in Gainesville, FL. He was born to the late Klaus and Bernice Hellstrom in Evanston, IL on February 2, 1930, grew up in Wilmette, IL and graduated from New Trier High. He attended Northwestern University for his undergraduate studies, at 6'8" tall, played basketball at Northwestern and received a PhD in English from the University of Illinois.

In 1961 he became an Assistant Professor of English at the University of Florida and moved through the ranks to full Professor. In 1976 he became the Chairman of the English Department at UF. He was Editor of the Victorian Newsletter for many years that circulated to universities and scholars across the country and internationally.

In 1980 he remarried and he and his wife, the former Louise Robinson Brown, moved to Bowling Green, Kentucky in 1981. There he became the Dean of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Western Kentucky University and also continued to teach English. In 1991 he left the deanship and returned to full-time teaching and remained until his retirement in 2007. He had a total of 53 years of teaching at the college level.

Ward was a highly respected scholar and well published in Victorian literature though his interest expanded far beyond his field of study. He was a man of knowledge on most any subject put before him, but never flaunted his intelligence. His love for books resulted in a personal library of over 6,000 books, most of which he donated to the WKU Library after his retirement.

He was a champion of equality for women and in the early 1970's, as the first youth basketball coach in Gainesville, he allowed girls on his boys' team and he gave them starting positions. The team went from losing all games in the first season to being undefeated in the third season. Many of the players, boys and girls, gave Ward the credit for their successes later in life. He fought relentlessly for equal pay for women and helped start Women in Transition at WKU for older students starting or returning to college.

He was a past President of the Kiwanis Club of Bowling Green, served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hospice of South Central Kentucky, and held numerous leadership roles in the academic world.

He was a devout democrat, a humanitarian, a voracious reader and avid fisherman (surf fishing at Summer Haven and fishing the flats at Cedar Key, FL). He was happiest with a fishing pole, a book, or Louise's hand in his hand. He enjoyed his life and told his family that often. He also loved watching his Northwestern Wildcats.

Ward loved his children and rarely missed his boys' basketball and football games. He was truly their greatest fan and statistician. His daughter's didn't play sports, but he cherished them and shared Lory's love of animals especially her beloved horse, Folly and marveled at Tammi's dependability and ability to get things done.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Louise, her daughter Tammi Beach (Robert) of Bowling Green, KY, his daughter Lory Doty of Gainesville, FL and sons Josh (Leslie) of Gainesville, FL, Nat (Jill) of Hickory, NC, Zach of Gainesville, FL, Tom Benthin (Stephanie) of Glen Ellen, CA and 17 grandchildren. Ward was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and three sisters. He is already dearly missed. He requested cremation and no public funeral or memorial service. The family will celebrate his life in a private ceremony in November.

Daniels Funeral Homes and Crematory, Inc. in Live Oak, FL is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made in his memory to Western Kentucky University, College Heights Foundation, 1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green, KY 42101.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Gainesville Sun from Oct. 30 to Oct. 31, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for WARD HELLSTROM

Not sure what to say?





Theresa Tonner

October 24, 2023

Dear Hellstrom family, I didn't know your dad, but he sounds like he was a wonderful man. I'm so sorry for your sudden loss; may wonderful memories sustain you. Sincerely, your classmate, Theresa ( McKoy) Tonner.

John Neller

December 3, 2012

Hellstrom Family - I don't quite have the words that I wish I could write to comfort you, but I know you will understand. My thoughts are with all of you and wish you great peace and a multitude of comforting memories.

My deepest sympathies to you all,
God Bless

W. Rainer Kroll

December 1, 2012

I remember Dr. Hellstrom well as my instructor in Freshman English (UF-1962). He had a great influence on my future career, and I am forever grateful for his tough but always correct evaluations of my essays. I will miss him.
Prof. W. Rainer Kroll, PhD, JD

Cole Childers

November 8, 2012

Dear Hellstrom Family:
My family and The Hellstrom family met at UF as students and faculty members in the 1950's. We went to movies, played and ate together, swam at Lake Wauberg and Crescent Beach and hung around Gville when it was easy to get around town. I often ate lunch with Professor Hellstom when I was a UF student in the late 1970's. He always had kind words, eloquent and soft spoken. You had to listen when he talked. I remember watching him coach little league basketball with a calm demeanor and passion that he passed on to his players. At 6'8 he was a gentle giant with a warm smile and a student of the game. My Dad and him were close colleagues and friends in the English Dept. at UF for well over 30 years. I believe they helped pave the way to the standard of excellence the English Dept. now carries. I know the many wonderful memories will always be there for all of his many friends and family members as well as mine.

Lori Stevens

November 7, 2012

Lory and family,
I was saddened to hear about your Dad and so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

November 3, 2012

Dear Louise, We were shocked and saddened when we got the news from WKU friends. We are so sorry and assure you that you are in our hearts. We have so many happy memories of you and Ward in Bowling Green.
Ron and Bev Veenker (Holden Beach, NC)

Sarah Edwardson

November 3, 2012

Josh, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Josh Robinson

November 3, 2012

Aunt Louise, Tammi, Zach, Nat, Josh and families, I know your hearts are breaking and so is mine. Peace to all of you.

Mary Ring

November 2, 2012

Josh,

I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I know he will be missed deeply. In time, wonderful memories will prevail. I wish you and your family a sure and steady pace in that direction. God bless.

Julia (Lee) O'Connell

November 1, 2012

My sisters and I were very sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Hellstrom. Our Father, Robert Charles Lee, taught English with Dr. Hellstrom at the University of Florida. Many years ago Daddy told us about Dr. Hellstrom and his great height. Daddy said that someone had stood on a chair to write above the door in the men's restroom in the C-3 Department..."If you can read this you are Ward Hellstrom." My family all got a good laugh out of that. I'm sure you will miss him as much as we miss our Dad.

October 31, 2012

Dear Louise, I was so sorry and saddened to hear about your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please contact me. Carolyn Meyer

betsy morgan

October 31, 2012

So sorry to hear your Dad has died. He sure was a great part of my childhood, as were you all. I'll always remember him as the gentle giant, trying in vain to watch (football?) on TV with all us kids running back and forth! Wishing you peace and comfort.
Betsy Morgan

Lisa Hickson

October 31, 2012

Condolences to the family and friends of this beloved soul. I didn't know him, but he made the world a better place, and there is no better legacy than that.

Blessings of peace and love to you.

Claudia Smith

October 30, 2012

Dear Hellstrom Family,
Am so sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you.

Michele & Rob Stumbaugh

October 30, 2012

My heart is aching for your loss. May fond and loving memories of your special dad bring you peace.

Barbara Jackson-Williamson

October 30, 2012

Zach I'm sorry to here about your father. God bless you and your family.

Randall Leath

October 30, 2012

Zach, Josh, and Nat and family, I am so sorry to hear Coach has passed. The family is in my prayers. You guys know how much he meant to me. He will always have a special place in my heart.

Charlie Haupt

October 30, 2012

I remember him walking home from work through the neighborhood. I remember him when we were all watching football together in your living room. I remember him kicking us out of the house when we're making too much noise. All these are good memories. Bless him and your family.

Delano Filer

October 30, 2012

In honor of a man that gave us a great family through his children. My family mourns your loss with you.
The Filer's

Tanya Hayes

October 30, 2012

My condolences to Josh and Zach.

Alonzo Perkins

October 30, 2012

Josh, Zach and everyone I'm sorry for the loss of your Dad. My thoughts and prayers go with you on this long and trying journey. God bless you.

Theresa Tonner

October 30, 2012

Dear Nat, and all of the Hellstrom family, as I read about your Dad, I now fully understand why you guys that I went to school with are such fine, upstanding, and kind men. What a role model you had. I can also tell your Dad had a wonderfully productive life, with lots of love surrounding him. I hope his last days were peaceful and comfortable. I imagine he's somewhere golden right now either fishing or reading a book. Thinking of you...Theresa (McKoy)Tonner

Viva and Chuck Brown

October 30, 2012

Zach, May your father rest in peace and may you find comfort in knowing you are in the thoughts and prayers of your friends. God Bless!

Steve Morgan and family

October 30, 2012

So sorry for your loss Hellstrom family, he touched so many lives, the good memories live on

October 30, 2012

Hellstrom Family
Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you and yours.
Millsaps Family

Richard Greer M.D.

October 30, 2012

Josh, My thoughts are with you and your family. I'm sorry for your loss. I remember your father as a good and kind man.

Janet Hayes

October 30, 2012

My deepest sympathies to you all at your loss. I know well the pain of saying goodbye to Dad. The sting will slowly ebb, but your Dad will still be in your hearts. love to all

Jeannette Aslanian

October 30, 2012

Zach, I'm so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family and wishing you peace and comforting memories as you go through this tough time. Take care.

October 30, 2012

You are all in our thoughts and prayers. The fond memories of him towering in PKY gym are indelible as are the memories of all you. God bless and take care!
Tom & Rob Childers & Family

Glenda A

October 30, 2012

My deepest sympathies to the family. I hope that you draw some comfort in knowing that God is near to all those calling upon his name; and is always ready to show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him. (Psalm 145:18; 2 Chron. 16:9)

Marya Callahan

October 30, 2012

Deep peace to the Hellstrom family. I am thinking of you all at this sad time and holding you up in my prayers.

Anna Bodine

October 30, 2012

Willis and I were so sorry to read this news. Sending condolences to all as we recall happy memories about this great man.

Dennis Clayton

October 30, 2012

What a wonderful life lived by a wonderful man. My prayers go out to Josh and the entire family...may Ward's memory bring fond thoughts and everlasting comfort. May God bless him and keep him.

Doug Cooper

October 30, 2012

Character has to come from somewhere and the character three of my best friends since childhood possessed was living proof.Josh,Nat,and Zach,my heart and prayers go out to you and your families during these trying times,God Bless

Susan Elliott Muchow

October 30, 2012

Josh, Nat, Zach, Lory and families, I was saddened to read of the death of Big Ward. He was always such a fixture during our years at PK and suffered us all so well. Missing my dad as I still do after three years, my heart goes out to you all.

Melissa, Kaitlyn and Calista Headrick

October 30, 2012

Josh, Leslie and the girls so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Cindy Kemmerer

October 30, 2012

So sorry for your loss. Leslie, Josh, and girls, my heart and prayers go out to you.

Bruce Jones

October 30, 2012

Nat, We are so sorry for your and your families loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers!

October 30, 2012

Josh and Leslie know that you are in our hearts in this time of grief, prayers to you and your family. Mark and Michelle Van Leer

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