Michael Thomas Helser
December 3, 1990 - March 28, 2022

"I didn't know Mike long as some. I met him thru a mutual friend we had. Our friendship quickly grew from there. We played lot of games together and talked almost everyday. I honestly never had a friend where we could talk about nothing and never get bored. We honestly only met in person once a we lived far apart but luck was in ourside as his truck driving job brought him close to my home. Mike was a very misunderstood person but he cared a lot and deeply for those in his life. I know one of the final phone calls we had he told me he was worried about me... here he was fighting life and death and his concern was how I'd handle life without him. That is the kind of person he was. I wish more people realized that, it's not easy going on without him. I find myself coasting thru the day unsure what to do. I miss our game sessions but I miss more the constant conversations we had. I never realized how much he impacted my life and how empty it is without him. I am glad I knew him and he was my friend and that all the grief I feel is how deep of a mark he left on me. It was totally worth it. "

"I'd known Mike for over 20 years. While we were never able to connect in person, I consider him one of my best friends. Certainly one who I've stayed closest to for the longest. I always enjoyed a chat with him and seeing what he 'was getting into this time.' Be it computers, boating, motorcycles?it was great fun to talk with him about things and see his excursions. He brought a lot of joy and happiness to my life. You could literally talk to him about anything and he would happily talk with you and tell you exactly what he thought. He fought a good fight and held his head high even in what sounded like some of the darkest times. And he always pulled through. The last few times I talked to him, it sounded like he was in some troubled waters with his condition but had lots of good news and was so optimistic, I was surprised to not have heard from him in a few days. I finally tried his phone, fearing the worst and still did not reach him and eventually landed here. He was a phenomenal friend and one I will never forget. I miss him but I know wherever he is, he's at peace and he'd tell me to quit crying and drink one on me?so that's exactly what I'm going to do. Cheers Mike. Your friend, Kalen"

"I worked with Mike at UPS Freight / Symbol Mattress in Watertown, WI. He was a funny and sarcastic guy that liked to make me smile. He would send me pictures of him in his boat out on Lake Michigan and of his cars and motorcycle. Mike and I kept in touch after he left work for health reasons. The last time I spoke to Mike he was very excited, optimistic and looking forward to being a good candidate for immunotherapy. It was so nice to hear the excitement in his voice and to looking forward to the future. We even made plans to try to get together over the summer and he would take my husband and myself out on his boat or just walk the beaches and he would show us where the best rocks were in Michigan. Unfortunately, I stopped getting responses from him and grew concerned. A mutual friend said he also could not get in touch with him and a few days later I received the terrible news of his passing. I just want to let his family know that I am truly sorry for your loss, Mike was a wonderful person who would do whatever he could to help out or just say something in his typical sarcastic way to get a smile and he will be missed. I am so glad our paths crossed and I am fortunate to have gotten to know him. I find peace in knowing that he is no longer feeling the terrible pain he was dealing with and that our souls will meet again some day. Rest easy young man! - Sheri VandenBerg "