"Judy, Amy, Ben and family; We met Helmer in 1964 in Stoughton when Sally was teaching with Karen at Kegonsa school. We were good friends from the start, and Karen and Helmer included us as family for all sorts of occasions. Helmer made sure we Atlantic Canadians got to experience all kinds of farm chores like bailing hay and tractor driving. Sally found the only hole in the back forty with the tractor wheel, which was never forgotten with lots of chuckles by Helmer. To Gramma and Grandpa Holte Sally became known as the ?Hefty One? while bailing hay. We had lovely visits with Karen and Helmer at Anna Maria Island in Florida. Drinks and cheers at sunsets were highlights, along with visits to Duffy?s where Helmer, always the joker, convinced us that ?dress attire? was the norm. We all laughed with him, but never at him. During our five decade plus friendship we shared many other memorable visits including; Boston, Ottawa, Trudy?s wedding, Jane?s wedding, Karen and Helmer?s 60th Anniversary, and many farm visits. Whenever we were at the farm, Helmer?s joy with his ?little girl? Eggbert the Pekingese always brought him smiles. We have never known a more gentle loving man with a heart big enough to include all those around him. We are so blessed to have known him, and all of you, his wonderful family. To Helmer, and Karen too, we say "Thanks for the memories". Our phone calls always ended with a ?Love You?, to which Helmer always replied, ?Love you back?. Now we can say ?love you back? one last time. Sally and Tom "
In loving memory of
Helmer Oscar Holte
March 24, 1919 - April 13, 2018
STOUGHTON - Helmer O. Holte, 99, passed away peacefully Friday, April 13, 2018 at home with family. Born on March 24, 1919 to Oscar and Thea (Fosdal) Holte in Stoughton where he spent the next 96 years, only moving to Harshaw 3 years ago to live with his granddaughter Amy and her family.
He is survived by his daughter Judy (Russ) Hutter of Rhinelander; 3 grandchildren, Amy (Ed Simon) Jones of Harshaw, WI, Ben Jones of Oregon, WI and Josie Swenson of Atlanta, GA; 4 great grandchildren, Zoe Simon, Eli Simon, Sawyer Jones and Abbey Jones and many nieces and nephews. Additionally, he is survived by an honorary daughter, Ingibjorg Haroldsdottir of Iceland, her 3 children and 5 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Karen, daughter Trudy Swenson, son-in-law Peter Swenson and sister Frances May.
Helmer married Karen Hull on June 10, 1943 and they enjoyed 68 years of marriage. During those years they often traveled to spend the winters in Florida and vacations in Iceland with Ib and her family. Helmer was an avid sports fan playing hometown baseball as a young man, attending Badger football games for many years, and following the Packers and Brewers, as well as the Badgers season after season. He was a lifelong farmer at heart, maintaining huge gardens long after he stopped farming and went to work for AAA. He was active in the Christ Lutheran church, singing in the choir and helping prepare the dough for lefse for many years.
Funeral services will be held at CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH,700 County Hwy B in Stoughton at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 19, 2018, with visitation preceding the service from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the Eastside Cemetery, with a luncheon afterwards back at the church.
A special thanks to the wonderful friends and caregivers at Hospice, especially Lorraina, Todd and Debbie.
Cress Funeral and Cremation Service
206 W Prospect Ave Stoughton
608-873-9244
Tributes
"Wonderful memories visiting with Helmer and Karen at thier house in Stoughton. Since kindergarten my Mom and I brought a Poinsettia to their house every December(for over 35 years) Each time we would stop we would get to see their hand picked Christmas tree and he would greet us with a hug. I can imagine the reunion with Karen in heaven is just what he was hoping for. RIP sweet Helmer. Stephanie Wanninger"
"We will all miss you, Helmer. Ii remember our talks in Grandma Holte's kitchens when you came over for coffee. I'd say "Hey Helmer" and you would aways say "straw is cheaper". You had the best sense of humor! Say Hi to Nana in Heaven for us. "
"So many wonderful memories of time spent @ the farm w/Trudy & Judy. I'm imagining a wonderful reunion in heaven. Sandra Bothum Thompson"