Donald "Butch" W. Helmling

Butch was born September 11, 1949, in Ravenna, Ohio, to Earl and Thelma (Spire) Helmling. He graduated from Kent Roosevelt High School in 1968 and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. He served during the Vietnam War and later as a member of President Nixon’s Honor Guard.

Butch worked for many years as a construction superintendent and project manager, where he was respected for his strong work ethic, integrity, and dependability, before retiring from the Portage County Engineer’s Office. He was most content at home, proud of the life he built, which included spending time with his family, working with heavy equipment, gardening, enjoying the outdoors, and vacationing.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Shirley (Knapp) Helmling, whom he married May 12, 1988; his daughter, Ashley Tannert; his son, Chase (Stephanie Wasilisin) Helmling; his grandchildren, Naia Tannert and Carson Helmling; and his sisters, Shirley Rinehart and Kathy Kirby.

Friends and family will be received Friday, December 26, 2025, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. at Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 E. Main St., Ravenna. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Kevin Bertleff on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2643 Waterloo Rd., Mogadore. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery with military honors. A luncheon will be held following the funeral services at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2697 Waterloo Rd., Mogadore.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Butch’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Brimfield Township Fire Department, 1333 Tallmadge Rd., Brimfield.

The family sincerely thanks the staff of Traditions Health Hospice and the VA Hospital (doctors & nurses) for their compassionate care, kindness, support, and friendship given to Butch.