James Helmuth

It is with deep love that we share the passing of James "Jim" Helmuth, 84, who died peacefully on March 10th, 2026, surrounded by family at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Jim was born on September 27th, 1941, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, to George Helmuth and Marion (Gilbert) Helmuth. After graduating from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids, Jim started an electrical apprenticeship before enlisting in the United States Army in 1963. He was stationed in France and worked as a soil analyst with distinction as a sharpshooter until his honorable discharge in 1965. After returning from the service, he finished his electrical apprenticeship and worked as an electrician for the IBEW Union Local 388, where he built a long and respected career in which he was known for his hard work and dedication.

Also shortly after he returned from the service, Jim met Susan Klemp, and they married on July 30th, 1966. Together, they raised their three beloved children, Sara, Jeff, and Russ, and built a beautiful life rooted in love and adventure.

Throughout his life, Jim found joy in many different passions and activities. He was a very proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) for 60 years. He also enjoyed snowmobiling and skiing and served as a founding member of the River Cities Nordic Ski Club. He always took the time to discover and learn about new places and would never take the same route somewhere twice, so that he could explore more each time. He loved watching NASCAR races, even traveling to speedways in multiple different states to attend races in person. Anyone who knew Jim knew of his love for motorcycles. He excelled at fixing them, and anything else with a motor, but his true passion was riding them. An avid motorcyclist, he attended the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota each year that he possibly could, making up to eight separate trips. He was also part of a weekly Tuesday morning motorcycle ride club, along with the countless other rides he enjoyed with family and friends. But more than anything, Jim enjoyed spending time with his family. Between his wife, his kids, his grandkids, his great-grandchild, and his dogs, Jim found incredible joy in making treasured memories with them all.

He is survived in death by his wife: Susan; his children: Sara (Ron) Nelson, Jeff Helmuth, and Russ (Lori) Helmuth; his grandchildren: Kailey (Andy) Opheim, Kenzie Helmuth, and Karlie Helmuth; his great-grandchild, Clover; his sisters: Mary Leech and Gladys (Jerry) Vacha; his sister-in-law, Karlene Helmuth; his brother-in-law, Dennis (Leah) Klemp; his son Jeff's significant other and her daughter, Heather Utecht and Maddison Reinwand, and his future grandson-in-law, Connor Scray, all three of which he already considered his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents: George and Marion Helmuth; his father and mother in-law: Lloyd and Violet Klemp; his siblings: Shirley Siems, Eileen Nelson, Bill Helmuth, Roy Helmuth, Evelyn Bakki, and Joe Helmuth; and his great-grandson, Journey.

The family would like to extend their wholehearted thanks to the staff at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital, especially those in the Cardiac ICU, Neurological ICU, Vascular Surgery, and Palliative Care departments, for the compassion and care they showed during the last days of Jim's life. They would also like to thank Davita Dialysis in Wisconsin Rapids for all the wonderful care Jim received there, which allowed him more precious time with his family. The family would like to thank all their family and friends for the unwavering support and love they have received during this time of loss.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the start of the service at the funeral home. The family invites attendees to further celebrate Jim's life and attend a meal that will be served at Herman-Taylor directly following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to the Honor Flight Program.

Though Jim is no longer with us, his memories, love, and legacy will be carried on in the hearts of all who knew him.