Michael R. Hellige

1946 - 2021

Michael R. Hellige

Olathe, Kan., formerly Sioux City

Michael R. Hellige was upgraded to first class on Thursday, May 20, 2021.

At Mike's request, no services will be held. Arrangements are with Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home in Olathe. To leave a message for the family, visit www. Penwellgabelkc.com.

Mike was born on Sept. 10, 1946, to Robert and Geraldine Hellige in Fort Madison, Iowa, home to the first U.S. military fort. Mike would want you to know that as he loved world history.

Before he was a Hawkeye he was a Bloodhound. He graduated from Fort Madison High School in 1964 and enjoyed playing basketball and baseball throughout his school years. After completing his political science degree in 1968 he went on to earn his Juris Doctor in 1971 from The University of Iowa. Go Hawks!

In 1971 Mike moved to Sioux City, home of the crash of Flight 232. Yes, there is a quiz later. He practiced civil defense litigation until his retirement in 2008. During his professional career he was elected to the presidency of the Woodbury County Bar Association in 1985. Memberships include the Iowa Academy of Trial Lawyers, Iowa Defense Counsel Association, and Woodbury County Bar Association. Mike had a special calling to mentor as well with Big Brothers and Big Sisters. FYI that will be on the test.

In 1973 Mike married Jan Wilson, and they lived in Sioux City until his retirement in 2008. During his life he enjoyed sports as well as fishing and developed a special love of golf. Collecting antiques as well as refinishing them were hobbies he and Jan shared. Mike was proud to say he had a chance to coach both Little League and softball. And, yes, the teams won their fair share of games. Although he still talked about that big fish that got away.

In 2008 Mike and Jan moved to Olathe, Kan., to live out his dream of growing a beard. He gave his time to CASA and enjoyed mentoring students through the Olathe school district. He also made a regular habit of generously donating golf balls to the nearby courses.

Mike is survived by his daughter, Amy, and her husband, Boun Souryasack; stepsons, Brad and Greg Wilson and their wives, Lisa and Terri; his grandson, Taylor Wilson, will be blessed to have a special angel named Paco; granddaughters, Jamya and Remi, will miss their Papa as well but know he is flying free.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Geraldine Hellige; and his sister, Carol Mueller.