Stuart C. Hellwig

Stuart “Stu” C. Hellwig, 73 of Jefferson, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at his home in Jefferson surrounded by love.

Stu was born on April 2, 1946 in Coon Valley, WI the son of Carl and Bernice (Herold) Hellwig.  He graduated from Onalaska Lutheran High School in 1964 and from Martin Luther College in 1968.  On August 3, 1968, he married Jean Wistenberg, and the love they shared was an inspiration to us all.  Stu was a jack of many trades.  He taught school at St. John’s Lutheran School in Jefferson for 38 years during that time he also drove school bus for the Jefferson Bus Co. and worked in concrete for Hans Bros.  After retirement, Stu drove bus and medical routes for LaVigne Transport in Fort Atkinson.  Stu’s faith and family were the two most important things in his life.  His faith was witnessed through his dedication to teaching 7th and 5th and science, as well as Sunday school for many years.  None of his students left his classroom without an appreciation for Coon Valley and glaciers.  Stu loved his wife Jean and together they enjoyed many things such as the Packers, Neil Diamond and road trips – especially to Door County.  He was so proud of his children and taught them to appreciate the beauty of glacial drumlins and eskers, a properly poured basement, and his family farm.  He loved taking trips with his family back to Coon Valley, spending time at the family farm and playing with his favorite Farmall Model “A” tractor. His grandchildren were also the light of his life, spending hours in the basement with Jonah teaching him all about building things and power tools.  Also talking dinosaurs, Star Wars, and presidential history with Anton.  Stu also really loved wood working.  In his retirement, he started Pinewood Cabins – building life size Lincoln Log cabins and taking them to the local Fort Rendezvous and other events across the state.  He loved to watch the looks on the faces of kids when they figured out how to put his cabins together.  He never stopped teaching. 

He is survived by: his mother Bernice Hellwig of Coon Valley;  children Daniel Hellwig of Salt Lake City, UT, Emmy Lita of Jefferson, and Ann (Adam) Kramer of Milwaukee; grandsons Anton Kramer and Jonah Lita; siblings Linda (Martin) Gross of West Bend, and Gordy (Liz) Hellwig of Coon Valley.  Stu is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, wife Jeanie in 2013, and twin grandchildren Cora and Gabrial Lita in infancy.

The family would like to express a sincere thank you to the staff of Rainbow Hospice Care and Dr. Runo and Nurse Practitioner Amy Chybowski of UW Pulmonology Clinic for the dedicated care provided.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Stu’s name to the Crown of Life Christian School of Fort Atkinson would be greatly apricated.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church of Jefferson with Rev. Matt Krenke presiding.  Visitation will be on Monday from 4:00PM – 7:00PM at the Olsen-Gibson Funeral Home and on Tuesday from 10:00AM until the time of service at the church.  Stu will be laid to rest at Christberg Cemetery following the funeral service.

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