Helmer J. Ringstrom 89, died peacefully on February 6, 2019. He was born May 10, 1929 in Chicago, IL. He met the love of his life, Doris, when they were sophomores at Lake View H.S. in Chicago. They were blessed with 67 years of marriage. He is survived by his loving children, Terry Antrim (Rod), Tobey Black, Tina Krizmanich (Tony Lee), Trudy Salvador and Sven Ringstrom (Terri). Loving grandfather to Eric and Ryan Antrim, Matt Black (Erin), Brittany Allen (Scott), Carly Altieri (Joe), Alyssa Spencer (Mat), Kyle Krizmanich (Megan), Isabel and Michael Salvador, Ava and Brody Ringstrom; great grandfather to Reagan, Riley, Sean, Jacob, Colin, Luke, Mila; and uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris and his parents, Maria Ostling and Valentine Ringstrom. Following graduation from Lake View H.S. Helmer attended the University of IL, Loyola University, and subsequently got his Bachelor's degree from Chicago Teachers College. He was an avid basketball point guard, playing on college teams and recreationally in his later years. Helmer was a fierce competitor and enjoyed ping pong, tennis, basketball, swimming and gin rummy with family and friends. He was a voracious reader, who loved a great manhattan, and getting a good deal. In 1954 he was drafted in the US Army and stationed in Puerto Rico. He was a teacher at Alexander Graham Bell and coached the boys' basketball and girls' softball teams. Helmer was an Ironworker (Local 63) and worked on many buildings in Chicago, most notably the John Hancock. At age 65, he retired after a successful 20-year career as a State Farm Insurance Agent in Libertyville, IL. Helmer's favorite place on earth was the family cabin in Ash Lake, MN. A private celebration of life will be held at a future date. Donations in memory of Helmer J. Ringstrom can be made to Misericordia Home (http://misericordia.com). Online condolences are available at www.legacy.com

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

Published by Chicago Tribune on Feb. 10, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Helmer Ringstrom

19 Entries

John Kattner

May 18, 2024

Helmer was one of a kind! When I was just 16 years old and had my first car and State Farm policy, my premium was five dollars that I would pay in cash at the office and whenever I would forget,Helmer would just pay for me and give me a call lol. he was a wonderful wonderful man.

Susan Hiller

January 3, 2020

I'm saddened to just learn that Helmer, my godfather passed away last year. He was an influence in my life when I was younger, and a great friend of my late father, Henry Kaisto. We lost touch in the later years, but he had always wanted to know if I ever married my 'tin knocker' boyfriend, Mike. Yes, I did, Helmer and I hope you are smiling in heaven. Peace to your family.

Chickie Farella

April 6, 2019

My sincere condolences to the family of this great man. I had a funny relationship with Mr. Ringstrom because my 3 siblings went to Bell and I attended St. Andrews where Al Presllinger was not only my gym teacher but Mr. Ringstrom's friend who played tennis together in the morning before school, . So being on the varsity teams and living right across the street from Bell turned him into a mentor and competitor all at the same time. Truth be told, Bell School won more games than we did, but he always told me..."you did a good job!"

I have always been blessed to know him!!!

March 8, 2019

My Sympathies to the Family and Friends of Ringstorm.Not only his a childhood of my own father from Lake View High School .He was my gym teacher at Bell School. He was a Strong Influence on me ,pushing me to do my best and believing in myself.He was my friend and I will miss him.
God Bless Him

Lana (Wallin) Mikals 64'
Poplar Grove,Il.

Kim Banks-Archer

March 8, 2019

Mr. Ringstrom was my gym teacher at Bell School until we moved when I was in second grade. He clearly made an impression on me. I just got a sense of doing chin-up! My older brother and sister knew him better. I got to see him again at a dear friend's wedding ( Carol Sveningsen- Giamattei). He was still bigger than life both physically and in spirit.
All that knew him were blessed. I imagine it was a fun house to grow up in- except for the boys that would come to take one of the girls out for a date.
My condolences to the family and I hope our hearts are filled with good memories of a lovely man. God Bless.

Patricia Schenk

February 15, 2019

The years I spent working for Helmer Ringstrom proved to me over and over again that genuinely good people still exist. Helmer cared about everyone, his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his friends, his customers and total strangers. He always took the time to help and show he cared. When my own Father died Helmer encouraged me to take time off of work and stay with my mother. When I returned to work, he had a big Welcome Back sign on my desk. He treated all his employees with care and respect. Best boss I ever worked for! I will miss him! Pat Schenk, Fox Lake, IL

Becky Cioni

February 15, 2019

My sincere condolences to the Ringstrom family. What a blessing you had to have Helmer and Doris in your lives. I will never forget the help and support Helmer gave to me as I started my State Farm agency in Waukegan, IL. Oh, and what a wonderfully wicked sense of humor he had. It was a privilege to have known him.

Mary Grenning

February 12, 2019

Our condolences to the entire Ringstrom family in the loss of your dear father. He and Doris were blessed with a wonderful marriage and a great family. May he Rest In Peace. Peace and love to all, Mary and Fred.

February 11, 2019

My deepest sympathies to the Ringstrom family in the loss of a one in a mlllion friend and teammate. I had a chance to talk with him recently and was aware that he was having some difficulties. He and Doris were a wonderful couple and we feel fortunate to have known them and enjoy their friendship. God bless all.
Ed and Marge O'Farrell (In Florida)

Renee Duchon

February 10, 2019

My condolences to you Trudy and the entire family. I always enjoyed visiting your dad with you Trudy. May your memories be a comfort and blessing to you.

Karen Sandstead

February 10, 2019

No doubt a great man that lived a wonderful life. My condolences dear friend, Tobey, to you and your family.

Pam Thinnes

February 10, 2019

We remember talking with your Dad at the annual Antrim Christmas party. He was enjoying himself and we talked about what a great job Terry and Rod did creating a festive evening and his holiday plans. He was a lovely man who clearly loved his family. Our condolences on your loss. Pam Thinnes and Bob Schwartz

February 10, 2019

So sorry to see my good friend Helmer pass away. We went to Lake View together and enjoyed each others company at our luncheons two to three times yearly where all the fellas from school were together. We have done this for seventy years..A great pal,very generous and thoughtful, he and I traded birthday cards yearly. I will really miss that big guy...Deep sympathies to the Ringstrom family.
Ron Cohen

Tom Chekel

February 10, 2019

Thank you Helmer for the positive influence you were on me. I feel I am a better person because of you and I know the world will always be a better place for your having been in it. You were the best, you were the original article and you will be greatly missed. I hope they have a couple of those small footballs we used to throw around during "gym" in heaven.

Tom Chekel
Bell "Bombers" '64

Andy Hale

February 10, 2019

Very sorry to hear about Helmer's passing. My name is Andy Hale and I'm writing this as I sit with my mother Carthy Hale. My mom and dad (Bob Hootie Hale) we're very close friends with Helmer and Doris. My parents also met at Lakeview HS, but they were five years younger. My mom has so many fond memories of spending time with Helmer and Doris. I also was fortunate to know Helmer. The last time I saw him was at my dad's funeral in 2012. He had not changed a bit. He reminded me a lot of my dad. Loved sports and was very competitive! My mom has talked if Helmer and Doris so many times over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with his children and family. Helmer was one of a kind and will be missed, Andy Hale and Cathy Hale. Also, I know my sisters Heather and Stephanie share the same sentiments.

The Sisters and Residents of Misericordia

February 10, 2019

Our sympathy and special prayers for Mr. Ringstrom and all his friends and family.

Thomas Schertler

February 8, 2019

My deepest sympathies to the Ringstrom family. Knowing Helmer for my entire life was a privilege and honor. I will never forgot the times we spent together.

Bob Hertel

February 7, 2019

Thank you Helmer for the positive life influence you have had on me and so many others. You are a special kind of person to say the least. Went back to Bell school with my brothers years back for a memory lane trip to Chicago. Looking in the trophy case, it amazed me how many of the trophys were from my old group of athletes. Basketball, volleyball.....you name it. You had me win four of four years of President Kennedy's fitness awards and encouraged me to go to Junior Olympics when I won a bronze in track. You worked with us off of school time getting into weekend sports leagues. I recall playing garage basketball in the alley across from your Grace St house. Yes, you have had a lot of influence on me and to my life accomplishments and success. You are the best of the best!

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results