Dorothy A. (Wallner) Helmrick

Dorothy Anna (nee Wallner) Helmrick, 88, passed away on August 25, 2022. She was born on September 12, 1933 in Plainfield, Wisconsin to Anthony and Gladys (Walker) Wallner. Dorothy dedicated her life to family, faith and education. She was always willing to participate in a project, board or committee to help make a difference in her church and community.

Dorothy grew up on the family farm in Plainfield, earned a teaching degree from Central State Teachers College in Stevens Point and taught elementary education in Vesper and Plainfield. She married Raymond Helmrick in 1955 and together they raised 5 children. In 1960 Dorothy and Ray moved to Almond, became members of the Almond United Methodist Church and purchased the Gambles store which they operated together for many years. In the early 1970’s, Dorothy returned to UW-Stevens Point, completed her Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and returned to teaching at the Almond-Bancroft School. Later she obtained her Master’s Degree from UWSP and a Master’s in Education Leadership Degree from UW-Superior. She was a Reading Specialist at the Almond-Bancroft and Tri-County schools and became the Elementary Principal at Almond-Bancroft until her retirement. In 2015Dorothy moved to River View Lodge Assisted Living in Stevens Point.

Dorothy was active in the United Methodist Church including the United Methodist Women, church committees, and as a lay leader to several area churches for many years. She was active in her community, serving in numerous organizations to include the Central Wisconsin Reading Council, Wisconsin State

Reading Association, Delta Kappa Gamma, Almond Village Board, Almond Historical Society, and Almond 4-H Club. Dorothy also welcomed numerous foreign exchange students into her home so they could learn and experience our culture.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Gladys Wallner; her daughter Karen Helmrick; siblings, Donald Wallner, Walker Wallner, Jean Barden, and Mary Smith; and former spouse Raymond Helmrick.

She is survived by her sisters, Elizabeth Ingersoll, Lauretta (Lowell) Detlor, and Carol Klabunde; sons, Kenneth (Linda) of Plainfield; Keith (Jane) of Plover, Kurt (Jodi) of River Falls, and Kevin (Georgia) of San Antonio; grandchildren, Dustin (Jamie), Heather (Craig), Jacqueline (Marc), Michael (fiancé Cassandra), Ben, Jacob (Karysa), William and Joseph; great-grandchildren Taylor, Cailynn, Carmyn, and Camden; and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to acknowledge with deepest appreciation the team of caregivers who cared for Dorothy lovingly and tirelessly at the River View Lodge in Stevens Point until her death. Your presence was a tremendous comfort to her and her family. The family also wishes to thank Compassus Home Health and Hospice for their supportive care.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-noon on Saturday, September 3, 2022 at the Almond United Methodist Church, Almond with a funeral service to immediately follow at noon. Family and friends are welcome to gather afterward for a reception at the Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a memorial established in Dorothy’s honor.