William Helbacka, age 75, of South Bend, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at St. Joseph''s Regional Medical Center of South Bend of natural causes. William was born April 29, 1932 to the late William S. and Evelyn (Minor) Helbacka in Houghton County, Michigan.
William is survived by his daughters, Connie (Wayne) Radics of Mishawaka, and Tina (Joseph) Kaiser of Niles, Michigan. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Carrie Zimmer, Nina Lolmaugh, Wayne Zimmer, Merissa Tucker, Julie Kaiser and Michael Kaiser, along with 4 great-grandchildren, Joshua Brogdon, Gage Lolmaugh, Gabbi Lolmaugh, and Damien Brogden. William loved his grandchildren, and is also survived by his faithful dog, Angel. He is also survived by his half brother Joe Snell, and sisters Ann Gauthier, Pat Snell, and Rose Pickard, as well as a sister-in-law Sue Johnson. William was preceded in death by his brother, Win Johnson.
Visitation will be held Saturday, February 28, 2009 from 11:30 am until 1:30 pm at Chapel Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 pm Saturday, February 28, 2009 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home in Osceola. Interment will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.
William served his country in the U.S. Air Force as an Airman First Class for 9 years until his honorable discharge in 1961. He was employed as a machine operator at National Standard prior to his retirement. In his memory, donations may be given to the St. Vincent De Paul Society in South Bend.
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