William (Bill) Hellwig passed away at his home on Friday evening, January 2, 2004, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was such an inspiration to many.

Although Bill & Freda didn't have any children of their own, they had many devoted nieces and nephews who helped with his care during his long battle. Special thanks to our guardian angels, Doris & Larry Wright, his special Godchild Janie Kinney, and nephew Billy Rice. There are so many kind people who helped with his care, including his sister-in-law & brother-in-law Marcie & Oscar Wolfgram, and brother in law Len Rice. Special thanks to all of our neighbors and church family and our wonderful friends for all their prayers, thoughtfulness and support. Somehow thanks doesn't seem enough for the loving care hospice gave Bill. Special thanks to Pastor Ed Slusser for his support and never ending love and caring.

Bill served as a sergeant in the Army in Korea from 1951 to 1953 with the HQ Battery 57th Field Artillery Br. 7th Div. He was a carpenter by trade and was in business for himself building and remodeling many homes in Omro and the surrounding area. Before his retirement, the last 21 years of working was spent at Mercy Medical Center as a carpenter.

Bill enjoyed sports of all types including golf, Nascar, cards, bowling, the Cubbies and anything with a motor. Bill was a member of the Omro Rushford Volunteer Fire Department for 49 years and enjoyed the camaraderie of all the guys. Bill also is in the Berlin Bowling Association Hall of Fame and a member of Passport 55 and developed a warm and respected relationship with Sharon. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Omro and served on the Session many times and served as Clerk of Session during one of his terms. Bill also served his community serving on the Park Board and on the Waterways Committee. He was always ready to help anyone out with his never ending smile and will be greatly missed by his loving wife, family and friends.

Survivors include his loving wife of 39 years, Freda; one sister June Rice & brother in law Len Rice who he always called his brother. Several nieces and nephews, who were such a part of his life, Sister in law Marceline Wolfgram and brother in law Oscar Wolfgram, brothers in law Jim Rose and his wife Ginny, Lyle Rose and sister in law Pauline Kleveno. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl & Esther Hellwig, mother and father in law Ernest & Ruth Rose; sister in law Marceda Wright and Bernice June Matsche.

Visitation for Bill will be at the Omro Funeral Home on Monday, January 5, 2004 from 3 until 8 p.m. and at the First Presbyterian Church, 404 S. Webster Ave., Omro on Tuesday, January 6, from 9 to 10:45 a.m. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the church, with Rev. Edward Slusser officiating. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established in Bill's name.

We will miss him greatly in every phase of our lives.

God Speed Bill