Elwyn Levi Helwig

Elwyn L. Helwig, age 92, of Cass City died peacefully on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 in Timberline Lodge, Caro. He was born December 27,1931 in Cass City to Levi Jacob and Marion (Mellendorf) Helwig. He married Linda Jean Lowe on November 27,1954 in Lapeer. 

 Elwyn graduated from Cass City High School in 1949 and worked at Brinker Lumber until entering the military in 1952. He served as a medic in the Army during the Korean War and was awarded a Purple Heart and three Bronze Stars. He was honorably discharged in 1954, moved back to Cass City and returned to work at Brinker Lumber, which later became Croft-Clara Lumber. He became a part owner until his retirement in 1989. 

Elwyn officiated high school basketball and football for twenty-one years and coached Little League baseball for several years. He played fast-pitch softball for thirty-five years as a pitcher and third baseman. Elwyn was an avid golfer and bowled in leagues for many years. His pride and joy was tending to his large, weed-free, garden where he grew enough vegetables to generously share with family, friends, and neighbors. 

Elwyn served on the Cass City Village Council for twenty-two years, the Cass City school board for twelve years, the Election Board for fifty years and served as chairman of the Elkland Township Board of Review. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Cass City. 

Elwyn is survived by his wife, Linda of Cass City; children: Craig (Joan) Helwig of Cass City, Brian Helwig of Brownsburg, IN, Julie (Dave) Powers of Lansing; grandchildren: Erik (Anat Belasen) Helwig, Travis (Lena) Helwig, Kylie (Ty) Colling, Callie (Zach) Buchanan, Trey Helwig, Kendall (Tyler) Bader, Mattie (Jordan) Wiles, Lawson Helwig, Chloe Powers; fourteen great grandchildren; sisters; Lenora Gingrich, Joyce McArthur. He is preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Catherine; sister, Wenola Lowe; brother, Maynard Helwig.

 The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Americans Home Health and Hospice Care; specifically, to hospice nurse, Heather Pemble, and caregiver, Lindie Vandeberghe, and all the caregivers and staff at Timberline Lodge who cared for Elwyn during his stay there. They are all greatly appreciated for the loving and compassionate care they provided.

 Funeral service held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2024 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City with Pastor Christian Wright of First Baptist Church of Cass City officiating. Interment will be in Elkland Township Cemetery. Military honors conducted by Cass City V.F.W. Post #3644 and the U.S. Army Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Timberline Lodge, Americans Home Health and Hospice Care or First Baptist Church of Cass City. 

Visitation: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, October 25, 2024 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City

 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2024 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City 

Arrangements by Kranz Funeral Home of Cass City