"Mike and I met at QHS in 1972 . We also rode many miles together. Scout basketball,coach baseball or go to mizzou for football. You will be missed, Buddy Mike Haugg [[ the HOG]"
In loving memory of
Michael Hellenthal
August 24, 1943 - May 10, 2020
Michael Hellenthal , age 76, of Quincy, former Quincy Senior High Baseball and Basketball Coach, died Sunday, May 10, 2020, at 3:56 pm in Blessing Hospital.
Mike was born August 24, 1943 in Fort Madison, Iowa, the son of Michael and Marian Grant Hellenthal. He was a 1961 graduate of Fort Madison High School and a 1968 graduate of the University of Missouri. He later received his Master's Degree from the University of Missouri.
He began his 15 year career as a coach at Quincy High School as an assistant basketball coach under the legendary Sherrill Hanks and continued under Jerry Leggett where he was on the bench for several state tournament appearances including state and national champion titles in 1981. His prowess was not limited to the basketball court as he also led the Blue Devil Baseball team as sophomore coach for six years before leading the team as head coach for nine years. His 1986 team won its first regional title in 15 years and won the Western Big Six Conference title in 1987. He was twice named Quincy Herald Whig Baseball Coach of the Year and was elected to the Quincy Blue Devil Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. He also coached the Quincy American Legion Post 37 team and posted a 300-83 record during that time. His final season in 1987 resulted in a 61-18 record and the team advanced to the American Legion World Series.
Following his time in Quincy, Mike became involved in administration and served as the athletic director at Linn-Mar High School in Marion, IA, and was athletic director and a coach at Galesburg (IL) High School and Dixon (IL) HIgh School. He moved to North Carolina and was assistant principal at McDowell County High School and Freedom High School.
Mike loved to talk about and watch sports, and he spent a lot of time visiting with former players and keeping up on their lives. One of his greatest joys came from following his son Ryan's career. Watching Ryan coach at QU, getting to know the fans and players, and getting to talk so much basketball were among his happiest times.
Survivors include four children, Ryan Hellenthal of Quincy, IL, Renee (Steve) Birkett of Scottsdale, AZ, Resa Hellenthal of Galesburg, IL, and Robin Travelstead of Scottsdale, AZ, three grandchildren Caitlyn, Cassie and Mason Birkett, his brother, Monte (Alice) Hellenthal of Fort Madison, IA, two sisters, Marsha (Gary) Ramaker of Keokuk, IA, and Mary (Tom) Schneider of Burlington, IA, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, and twin siblings Susan and David Hellenthal.
Private family service will be held. To attend the service remotely, please join us on Thursday (May 14, 2020) at 11:00 a.m. by clicking the following link http://client.tribucast.com/tcid/95672303
A public celebration of Mike's life will be held at a later date.
Burial: Greenmount Cemetery
Memorials: QHS Baseball Program or QHS Basketball Program
Send Hugs for Mike Hellenthal
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"Cousin Mike... We had so many family memories together. He was a gentle soul. Prayers to all of his family. "
"Mike and I were good friends back in the 70?s. I coached at Quincy Catholic Boys and in Hannibal. We hung out a lot together for several years. I am so sorry. My prayers and thoughts go out to the family. John Tucci"
"Mike and I were good friends back in the 70?s. I coached at Quincy Catholic Boys and in Hannibal. We hung out a lot together for several years. I am so sorry. My prayers and thoughts go out to the family. John Tucci"
"I would like to express my appreciation for Chief. He was my coach in basketball and baseball in high school. I also was fortunate enough to be on his staff in Dixon. I will be eternally grateful for his investment in me as a player, coach and friend. Blessings to the family."
"Mike was one of our assistant principals during my time as principal at Freedom High School (2004-2009). He was a solid administrator, always fair and consistent, but he was an even better person. His passion for his family and athletics was always evident. Mike's son Ryan was coaching UI-Chicago during that time, and Mike went out of his way to get tickets to their games at Duke and Davidson so that we could go and take my son DT. What a treat! I always enjoyed conversations with Mike because he had a lot of great experiences to pull from. He was a fine man and a great person. Rest in peace my friend."
"We will always remember our last being with Mike at the Blue Devil reunion of our State Champions. Mike helped make the evening meaningful with his remarks that personalized the event. He has earned the accolades that go with him as enters eternity with the feeling of a job well done. We are glad we worked with you , Mike. RIP"
"Ryan, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers ?- it was such a pleasure to watch your dad get to have the honor of you following in his foot steps and making him so proud??God Bless you ???. Michael and Victoria Haxel "
"I was a teacher at Freedom High School and worked with Mr. Hellenthal. He was always professional and earned respect. May he rest in peace."
"Condolences to the family. I have great memories of our days @ FMHS; Mike was a good friend, and we will miss him. It was good to see him recently @ a Truman- Quincy basketball game @ Pepsi Arena, and relive our time together in Dobson Hall @ Northeast Missouri State! Great memories- Rest In Peace, Mike. Jack Moore, FMHS, 1961-"
"So sorry, Ryan, to hear that your father had passed. I have known Mike for many years through our time working for the Quincy Public Schools. I remember his years with Coach Hanks and Coach Leggett. He was a part of many great Blue Devil teams both in basketball and baseball. Talked to him often at QU games the past couple of years. He was extremely proud of son Ryan as the head coach of QU basketball. I'm sure he was just as proud of his other children also. Mike battled his illness for a long time and fought it with the same tenacity as when he was coaching. Condolences to Ryan and the rest of Mike's family. Jim Bailey"
"RIP Chief. It was a pleasure to talk sports and especially basketball and Big 6 with you. Great conversation at end of Quincy University season b4 game. God Bless. Ryan & Family Gino & Sheila Moline, IL"
"Dear Ryan and Hellenthal Family, Thinking of you and remembering another great sports fan, Mike! Dick & Pat Wentura"
"I feel lucky that I was able to share a friendship with Michael. He was a very caring person with a big heart. We shared good times together, talking about where life had taken us, our children and most importantly how proud he was of Ryan. He really looked up to Ryan and was so glad he was able to spend the last few years of his life with him in Quincy. He looked forward to their road trips and just watching him coach. He admired his daughters too. When Resa moved to town, he introduced us and I was able to help her out at times when he wasn't able to be with her. I will miss his jokes, advice to me and just hearing his voice and laughter. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. "
"Early in our coaching careers Mike and I made many a scouting trip together for Coach Hanks to places like Galesburg, Rock Island, Moline, Springfield, and Decatur to name a few. In 1970 it was two lane highways and county roads no matter which direction you went out of Quincy. After the game our goal was to get back home in record time. And we did set some records Michael. From our many conversations over the years I know how proud you were of your kids and especially of Ryan continuing the coaching legacy. Rest in peace my friend. Colin Williams QHS Basketball Assistant 1970-73 "
"Quincy and beyond will miss a great coach, Family man and friend. Coach Mike and I spent many a moment talking family, sports, Basketball, baseball, Quincy, MIZZOU, Ft. Madison, Iowa and much more. Rest In Peace, Coach, and our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with Coach Ryan and all of Mike?s Family. "
"Michael and I have been friends since the 1950's in Ft Madison, Iowa. We kept in touch these last several years and as recently as about three weeks ago. Mike had a great sense of humor and could always make me laugh. He never complained. We also had a connection in Quincy with the Blue Devils, as one of my relatives, Carl Rylander, Jr, was a loyal fan. I had to laugh with Mike when he moved into administration at school as Mike knew, from experience, every trick in the book. No student was going to fool him. What a great guy! I'll miss him"
"Ryan, Reese and extended Hellenthal Family, Bill and I are long time friends of Mike since our grade school days at Jefferson Elementary in Fort Madison - and all through High School for the class of 1961. Bill and Mike kept in touch after we all went our separate ways after high school - we visited back and forth between Iowa City (where Bill graduated from the U of Iowa after 4 years in the NAVY first) and Quincy - where Mike first taught and was married then to Sue. We lost touch for awhile after they divorced and Mike married your mother and the move to Galesburg. Bill's younger sister, Nettie Ann Matthews, seriously dated Mike's younger brother, Monty, during high school also. So there have been many connections to the Hellenthal family. When we retired to Eastern North Carolina in 2003, we had an opportunity to visit Mike at his home in Marion, NC on our way back from a trip to see family in Iowa. He was already fighting his original cancer then and struggling. We talked lots about Ryan and our younger son, Joe, who were very close in age (born in 1979) through the years and listened to Mike's stories about Reese and her extremely premature life's start and ensuing health issues.......it was so obvious how much Mike loved his kids ! But the intermittent phone calls between Bill and Mike always seemed to focus on the "good old days" growing up in Fort Madison - Mike loved to relive those times. Also, we were in awe of Mike's coaching abilities and the MANY young boys he mentored and guided, not just in athletics but in life ! He really left a legacy not to be forgotten. We have followed him on Facebook recently and knew his health was growing worse, so his passing did not come as a huge surprise. We just want you to know we share your sorrow and pray blessings upon you all during this sad time. Please let us know if there will be a memorial of any type to which we might donate in his memory. "
"I shall miss my friend of 70 Years. We traveled together throughout our youth in church, grade school, junior high and high school . . . staying in touch right to the end. Michael was a stubborn, independent soul with a heart of gold and a wicked sense of humor. He loved kids and truly met his calling as a teacher, school administrator and highly successful coach. Anyone who knew Michael well, knew they had a trusted friend for life . . . a rare commodity these days. God speed, Michael. The world is a lesser place without you."