Sylvester G. "Sy" Helding

Sylvester G. 'Sy' Helding With his family by his side, Sylvester G. 'Sy" Helding, 77, passed away peacefully Friday January 27, 2006, at his residence. Sylvester was born in Racine April 3, 1928 son of the late Arthur and Marie (nee: Seitz) Helding and had been a lifelong resident. On May 10, 1952, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Sylvester was united in marriage to Betty J. Jensen, who preceded him in death June 10, 2003. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was a Purple Heart recipient. Sy was employed with Young Radiator for 43 years before his retirement in 1990. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Sy was a longtime member of the Racine Fire Belles from 1966 until the present, where he served as president from 1982-1992. He was instrumental in the bingo program at the Labor Center. Sy was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed. Survivors include his children, Sr. Christine Helding CSSF of Milwaukee, Mark (Jill) Helding of Sturtevant, Louise (Jim) Madala, Sandra Helding, all of Racine; grandchildren, Kevin and Chad Helding of Sturtevant, Gary Helding of Racine; brothers and sister, Art Helding, Margaret Therkelsen, Thomas (Barb) Helding; sister-in-law, Shirley (Don) Meyer; special friends, Dick and Rick Fought and Scott Tangerstrom and the Racine Fire Belles; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to his parents, Sylvester was preceded in death by his brothers, Jerry, Richard, and Raymond. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie Street, Tuesday, January 31, 2006, 10:30 a.m., with Rev. John D. Aiello officiating. Entombment with full military honors will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Monday at the funeral home from 5 until 7 p.m. and Tuesday at the church from 10 a.m. until time of Mass. Memorials to the Racine Fire Belles, 700 6th Street, Racine, WI 53403 have been suggested. The family extends special thank you to Hospice Alliance for all of their loving care. MARESH-MEREDITH AND ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME 803 Main Street 634-7888