Betty J. Helwig, age 89, of Stone Lake, WI, died Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at Maple Ridge Care Center in Spooner, WI.

Betty Jane Flamang was born July 10, 1933, at home in Solon Springs. WI. the daughter of Henry and Marie (Dutz) Flamang. She was married to Harold Helwig in May 1952 while he was on a ten-day leave.

Betty moved to San Diego while Hal was in the Navy, which is where her 1st son, Henry was born. After Hal's tour of service, they moved to Superior, WI where their 1st daughter, Luci was born. Betty worked for Sammy's Pizza and kept the home fires burning while Hal attended UW-Superior to get his teaching degree. Their next move was to Hayward, WI where her next 3 children were born, Robert, Terri and Marc. In 1962 they purchased Spruce Haven Resort on Sand Lake while Hal continued to work for the Hayward school district. Many long-time friendships were made with their guests, especially the family that included a future son-in-law. In the 70s, Betty and Hal became foster parents and had many children come through their home for emergency placement, but Ronnie and Ernie stayed and completed the family. As the years went by, she was blessed with 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. They were her pride and joy and she always made time for them and their accomplishments.

While bringing up her family, Betty also held various jobs and participated in many organizations. She sold Avon for quite a number of years, making many new friends, as well as working in local businesses, including their restaurant, known as The White House, which they purchased for the kids in town to have a place to hang out and completed 22 years of service for the US Census Bureau. One of her greatest pleasures was catering with her beloved friend Lucy Buck.

Betty was a founding member of the Stone Lake Scholarship Board, where she was a member and officer until the last few years. She was also a lifetime member of the Heart of the Lakes Homemakers. Her leadership was a great asset at the local, county and state level. Betty was a member of First Lutheran Church and had served on their board. She also served on the board for the Stone Lake Historical Society and was active in many local Stone Lake Lions events as a Lion wife.

She made latch hook wall hangings for more than a dozen District Governors for District 27E, which were beautiful. Betty loved to knit and sew. She gave the gift of hundreds of knitted caps for newborns to local hospitals, which gave her great joy. Betty enjoyed gardening which you could see in her beautiful gardens when she moved to town. She was also a great cook, and the grandkids will especially miss her "cloud" soup. Betty had a kind and generous spirit and will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends. Love you Mom!

She is survived by her sons Henry (Barbara) von Hellwig, Marc (Norma) Helwig & Ronald (Cheryl) Bildeau; daughters Luci Neefe & Terri (Chuck) Roeske; grandchildren Crystal Chance, Bryan Coddington, Shauna Schneider, Dani Bartle, Christopher Helwig, Amber Helwig & Cyndi Janssen; great grandchildren Brenna, Natalie, Riley, Ivey, Alyssa, Liam & Atticus; and many nephews & nieces.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband Hal; sons Robert & Ernie Helwig.

The Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 noon, Monday, November 14, 2022, at First Lutheran Church in Stone Lake. Pastor Jill Fries will officiate. Burial will be in Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner. Visitation will be held from 10:00   a.m. until the time of service at the church.

Memorials preferred to Heart of the Lakes Homemakers or Stone Lake Scholarship Board, W254 Metcalf Road, Stone Lake, WI 54876.

Last Update: Nov 11, 2022 12:16 pm CST