Martin "Bud" M. Helwig, 82, of Eau Claire died Saturday, July 1, 2006, at Luther Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born in Eau Claire on February 4, 1924, the son of Millard and Floy (Wright) Helwig. He graduated from Eau Claire Senior High School with the Class of 1943.\r\nMartin married Gloria Steinke on June 23, 1947, in Eau Claire. Gloria died in October of 1971.\r\nHe married Jeanine B. (Solberg) Wollum at Peace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire on June 17, 1972.\r\nHe had a milk hauling route with Chippewa County Co-op from 1939 to 1962, worked for the Eau Claire County Highway Department, and was a salesman and truck driver for Eau Claire Co-op Oil Company until his retirement in 1984. \r\nHe was a longtime member of Peace Lutheran Church where he served as an Elder, and helped maintain the church. He was the first Fire Chief for the Brunswick Township Fire Department. \r\nBud enjoyed spending time at his cottage fishing with family and friends. He also enjoyed traveling with his children and grandchildren. He was an active member of the "Coffee Club" at McDonalds.\r\nMartin is survived by his wife, Jeanine; six children, Gale (Becky) Helwig of Eau Claire, Audrey (Thomas) Zwiefelhofer of Caledonia, IL, Elaine (Gene) Strickland of Woodstock, GA, Lori Helwig of Milwaukee, John Wollum (Janet Olson) of Independence, WI, and Julie Letkiewicz (Michael Brand) of Winona, MN; nine grandchildren, Gwen (Ben) Nemitz, Beth (Nate) Engum, Heidi Naser, Jessica (Joey) Gay, Peter and Katie Nelson, Andy Strickland, Michelle and Jason Hoelker, and Justin Letkiewicz; six great grandchildren, Megan, Brett, Elana, Zachary, Ansley and Annika; a brother, Charles Helwig and sister, Betty (Chester) Knudston both of Eau Claire. \r\nHe was also preceded in death by his parents; and sister-in-law, Lucille Helwig.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 7, 2006, at Peace Lutheran Church with Pastor Mark W. Schulz officiating. Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery in the Town of Washington. Family and Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Friday at the church.\r\n

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