ANDREW HELLING

Andrew Norman Helling Andy was born January 27, 1928 to Knute and Ingeborg Helling at their home in Mt. View (Edgewood), WA, and passed away peacefully April 10, 2016 with family at his side. Andy is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years, Marilyn. He will also be greatly missed by his daughter Kris (Pete), sons Tim (Wendy) and Dan (Jolee), 6 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, his brother Ernie, and many nieces and nephews. Andy was preceded in death by his brothers Mel, Art, Ben, and Ken, and his sister Irene. Andy was a lifelong resident of Edgewood. After graduating from Sumner High School in 1946 he joined the US Marine Corps. Andy was stationed in the Pacific for 2 years, and while serving his country he helped organize and played baseball for the Pearl Harbor Marines team on Kwajalein. Upon his honorable discharge Andy attended PLU, where he received his BA in Industrial Arts. Andy spent the next 28 years teaching in the Puyallup School District, where he also coached the Puyallup baseball team for 23 years. During his tenure at the helm of the Vikings they won three league championships, and he was named Coach of the Year three times. Andy was inducted into the Pierce County Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003. After retiring from teaching, Andy operated Helling Construction with his sons and continued working in construction for almost 20 years. During his retirement Andy continued his baseball legacy by participating in the Half Century Slowpitch League, and played until the age of 80. He also loved to travel with his wife, Marilyn, his family, and friends. Andy was an avid golfer, fisherman, and pheasant hunter. He was a huge fan of the Mariners, rarely missing a game via radio, TV or in person. Even though he was a Lute, he was a diehard UW Husky fan. Andy volunteered his time and expertise to many organizations, and also played a significant role in saving the Mt. View chapel, where he attended church throughout his lifetime. In lieu of flowers, donations in Andy's memory can be made to The Mt. View Lutheran Church Building Fund. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 23rd, at 1pm at the Puyallup High School Auditorium, 105 7th St. SW.