Kenneth Homer Hellwig, a long time Omro resident, passed away at the King Veteran's Home on July 8, 2012. Ken was born on March 5, 1922, to Ernest and Laura (Petersen) Hellwig. On August 8, 1942, he married Betty Lou Bates. Together, they had 6 children: Sharon (the late Michael) Laiten, Omro, Kathleen and twin brother, Kenneth, (both deceased), Michael (deceased), James (Kim), Missouri and Keith (Debra), Fond du Lac. He is survived by numerous grandchildren, great- grandchildren and great great grandchildren, as well as nephews, nieces and cousins.
Ken was born in Omro and spent his early years on his father's farm in Omro, working at the family owned Elder Row Dairy. Upon graduation from Omro High School in 1940, he started learning the trade of a Tool and Die worker. He entered the Navy during WWII, and was assigned to the Naval Destroyer Attender, U.S.S. Altair. He achieved the rank of Machinist's Mate 2nd Class. After traveling the world until 1946, he settled in Omro, and earned his Journeyman's papers in Tool and Die. He worked for many companies, including Kiekaeffer (Mercury) Marine, Boeing Aircraft and North American Rockwell (the Axle), from which he retired.
He was instrumental in starting the Boy Scouts in Omro in the early 1960's and served as Scout Master for many years. Ken was a lifelong hunter, shooter, fisherman and sportsman. He deer hunted until into his 80's, and often the first question he'd ask when being visited was, "Did you get a buck this year?" For many years, he conducted the annual sight-in days at the Springbrook Sportsman's Club, dispensing shooting advice, wisdom, jokes and general B.S. to everyone he talked with.
He lost his wife, Betty in 1978, after a long battle with cancer, never to remarry. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gerald, and three of his children. He is survived by his daughter, Sharon, and sons, James and Keith, as well as his youngest brother, Arden of Mentone, California.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 12, 2012, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. with interment to immediately follow at the Omro Junction Cemetery. Those wishing to make donations are asked to make all checks payable to the Wounded Warrior Project in memory of Ken. The family wishes to extend a special "Thank you" to the staff at the Wisconsin Veteran's Home in King. The knowledge that Ken was receiving good care from concerned people was a large comfort to them.