Eugene Peter Helsen's Obituary
Eugene Peter Helsen age 87, of Ravenna, Michigan died Monday morning, February 22, 2022 at Fountain View Assisted Living with the love of his life holding his hand.
Eugene was born on April 17, 1934 in Ravenna, Michigan to the late Alfons John and Louise (Vandunn) Helsen. He served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956. He married Margaret Susanne (Kromer) Helsen on May 5, 1956 in Coopersville, MI. He and Margaret settled in Ravenna, MI and together created a beautiful family consisting of six boys and one girl.
Eugene is survived by his wife of 65 years: Margaret S. Helsen of Ravenna, 1 daughter: Lorraine (Terry) Farr of Arizona, 5 Sons: Anthony M. (Jane) Helsen of Ravenna, David E. (Lora) Helsen of Newaygo, Christopher M. (Kelly) Helsen of Sparta, Leo (Molly) Helsen of Ravenna and Louis (Sally) Helsen of Ravenna. Daughter in-law: Ann Helsen of Ravenna. 12 Grandchildren and 14 Great Grandchildren. 1 Sister: Bernadine Klein of Sparta, Sister In-Law Helen Helsen, Brother In-law: Jim Piccard of Marne. Many Nieces and Nephews also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Son: Alfons "Butch" Helsen, Brothers: Ike and Joe Helsen, Sisters: Kate Morgan, Marie Stuhan, Betty Klein, Margaret Helsen, and Josephine Piccard.
Gene spent 32 years as an Engineer for Sealed Power Corp. He had many hobbies and skills including snowmobiling, fishing, gardening, home building, cutting wood, and giving of his time to St. Catherine's Church and School. Gene was a kind, loving, and charitable man who enjoyed serving his family, friends, and church.
Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be celebrated on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Ravenna at 11:00am with Father Andrew Ayers celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Catherine's Catholic Cemetery and the Ravenna American Legion Post #297 will conduct Military Honors.
The family will greet friends on Friday, February 25, 2022 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm at St. Catherine's Hall with the Rosary prayed at 8:00 pm. Saturday visitation at the church 1 hour prior to Mass.
Memorials may be directed to: St. Catherines Cross Fund, Harbor Hospice or Donor's Choice.
Go to: www.throopfhravenna.com or Facebook at Throop Funeral Home of Ravenna Inc. to sign the online guestbook. The Throop Funeral Home of Ravenna is in charge of funeral arrangements. 231-853-6511.
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