ANDREW HELLING

When our Egge family moved to Washington in 1941, we were warmly welcomed by the members of Mountain View Lutheran Church, where the Helling Family was a large presence. My brother, George Egge, was one year younger than Andy, and I'm sure they were good friends. The entire Helling family was an important part of the congregation. They were the nicest people we could hope to meet and know. Irene was one of the berry pickers at our modest raspberry farm. The parents of the large family were the sweetest people you could ever meet. The Helling family made such a huge contribution to the community and the church, especially Ken with his leadership in the sending of quilts to the needy. I maintain close contact with Darlene Romnes Stremel--another church and school friend. Sadly, so many of those wonderful people have passed on to their reward, but the memories are treasured. I never got to know Marilyn, but I knew of her. I thank God for the wonderful people of the Mountain View community who welcomed us and made us part of the family.

Just saw this today, August 2017. Andy Helling was my shop teacher in 1977 and 1978. I learned a lot from him. In '77 I made a boat in wood shop. Mainly because it was an automatic A. Caught a lot of fish with that boat. He was a great teacher. He left a lasting impression on me for the last 40 years. I use what he taught me to this day. RIP

I want to express condolences at your loss. Mr Helling was my shop teacher way back in 1960, my freshman year at Puyallup. I remember listening to the World Series in class! I was not on his baseball teams and, in fact, did not have any connection with him other than that one class. But I have actually thought about him a few times over the years for several reasons. One was that I used to think he made fun of my name, Randy. I remember him saying something about Randy Sandy. It didn't occur to me for a long time that maybe he wasn't! After all, his name was Andy! So about that, I don't know.
It might have been that I just wasn't any kind of stellar student in the shop skills.
But at various points in my life, I have owned homes which had, of all things, a shop! Now, after 18 years of not having one, we have moved to what is probably our last home, and it has a real nice, big shop. I have, somewhat to my surprise, bought a table saw and a chop saw, and in the last year, while I have not built anything wonderful, I have done some things, and I have not hurt myself!
While this seems to be about me, I am really thinking of Mr Helling. I wish I had listened to him better, but maybe some things did stick. I wish I had taken more classes from him; I'm sure he had a lot to teach.
Please know that this former brief shop student remembers Mr Helling well and with good thoughts, every time I step into my shop.

Tim, Wendy and Family,
Tonight I was so incredibly sad to hear the news of the loss of your dad. I am sooooooo sorry. Your dad held a very special spot in my heart and a very special spot on the dance floor. When ever we were at events, he would always ask me to dance with him. We will unfortunately be out of town this week end but please know that you will be in our thoughts and prayers. My parents, Gene and Betty Lou Stemp, will also not be able to attend due to failing health. On behalf of the Stemp family, please accept my heartfelt sorrow to you all. Andy was an amazing man and it saddens me that we are not able to attend his life celebration.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Diana and Rob Schrader

I was fortunate to have been a student-athlete of Coach Helling in the 60's. Not only that, I served as a JV baseball coach in his program for a time. We shared some great times as staff members at PHS, as well as attending coaching clinics together. Stories and memories...well, I have a few!

I knew a gentle man in Andy Helling. One that quietly persevered in his works and never boasted of his achievements. A gentleman that shared with and made sure to include his two granddaughters in his sports and activities of baseball, football, fishing and Pheasant hunting. I knew an Andy who taught by example and had admirable paitients. I am honored to have known such a fine man and I was blessed in having him as the Grandfather to my children.