Jennifer L. "Jenny" Helm

Jennifer "Jenny" Lynn Helm passed away peacefully in her Greenville, WI home on the morning of August 27, 2025 after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. She was surrounded by loved ones in the days leading up to her passing.

Born on June 5, 1975 in Menasha to William F. Basler and Catherine R. Basler, Jenny spent most of her life enjoying and giving back to the Fox Cities area. A graduate of Menasha High School in 1993, Jenny briefly moved to Chicago, IL, where she pursued a degree in graphic design at the International Academy of Merchandise and Design and discovered her passion for tattooing. Jenny later returned to the Fox Cities, where she continued to build her reputation and became a highly sought-after tattoo artist and graphic designer. In 2018, her entrepreneurial spirit kicked in, when she and her husband Josh opened WeMeraki – a community of independent creatives who are experts in their fields at providing exceptional service experiences. It was there that Jenny's impact on people expanded even further to include mentorship and driven community leader.

In her 25+ years as a tattoo artist, she became known not just for her skill, but by her ability to take a client's random, fun idea or deeply personal story and turn it into a beautiful piece of art. While it was the artistry that drew clients to her, it was the compassion, joy, positivity, wit and warmth - as well as an endless list of other adjectives - that turned them into friends.

Every aspect of Jenny's life showcased her colorful, whimsical nature. She possessed an endless curiosity of what was possible, and a never-ending wonder of what fun could be found hiding under stones previously unturned. She spent the last 10+ years immersed in nature, music, and a host of adventures with Josh and their three dogs – Lugnut, Elliot and Gator. Whether it be teaching herself crocheting, doing watercolor paintings, planning light-hearted pranks on friends in the neighborhood, or sending thoughtful messages to friends near and far, Jenny's heart could be seen and felt in everything she touched. Her love of bluegrass music led her to explore artistry of another kind when she picked up a banjo and found new friends and a new passion – both of which continued to bring her joy up until her final days.

Simply put – Jenny's biggest passion was life. But her legacy will be one of kindness, humor, creativity, playfulness, generosity, friendship and love.

Jenny is survived by husband Joshua Helm, father William Basler, mother Catherine Basler, sister Angela (Jeremy) Bortle, brother William "Billy" (Karen) Basler, and nephews Brody and Bryce. She is also cherished and remembered by many extended family members, and by her loving in-laws Rick and Dawn Helm, Michelle (Aaron) Brechlin and their children Andrew, Elizabeth, James and Jakaya. There simply isn't enough space to name the countless friends who love her immensely and will miss her more than words can express.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025from 1-5PM at Bubolz Nature Prezerve in Appleton. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that support be directed to your favorite local charity supporting animal welfare, the arts, or nature conservation. A donation in Jenny's honor allows her spirit of kindness and generosity to live on in the community she spent her life supporting.