Meet Our Caring Team

Shannon served her apprenticeship at Brainard Funeral Home in 2003. A graduate of Milwaukee Area Technical School’s mortuary science program, Shannon has worked in funeral homes in Southern Wisconsin, Texas, and California.

Shannon enjoys spending her time with her dog, Lucky and 2 cats, Zepplin and Chestnut.  Shannon spends her free time walking, kayaking, hiking, road biking and participating in various local 5K's.  

She is happy to be in her hometown to help families arrange personalized services tailored to their loved one.

Sarah grew up in Tomahawk, Wisconsin with aspirations of being an Athletic Trainer.  After attending college at UW Eau Claire for Athletic Training for four years, she discovered that her heart was somewhere else.  Much to her family’s surprise, she changed her major to Mortuary Science and received her degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College in 2009.

Sarah has been serving families in the Wausau area since then, and what a pleasure it has been.  Being able to meet so many wonderful people and helping them at one of the most difficult times in their lives has been very fulfilling.

Sam is originally from Park Falls, Wisconsin. He earned his Associate of Applied Science degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College in 2012. Sam chose funeral service because of his desire to help others, knowing he would be able to do so in their greatest time of need.

Outside of work, Sam enjoys playing guitar, playing video games, and riding his motorcycle on nice days. In 2008, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Sam has a bearded dragon named Rex, a leopard gecko named Gir, and a Doberman puppy named Gus. 

Kelli is from Wausau and has an associate degree in art and science, as well as an associate degree in mortuary science. She chose funeral service because of her passion for helping others and has been serving as an apprentice and funeral director since 2019. In her spare time, Kelli enjoys being outdoors.

Marcia is from Brillion, Wisconsin. She studied nursing at Fox Valley Technical College. While working at a small community hospital, she often spent time with families just after a loved one passed away and began to realize how meaningful it was to provide support to those a loss leaves behind. In May 2000, Marcia graduated from Milwaukee Area Technical College with an associate degree in funeral service.  

Prior to coming to Wausau, Marcia began her career in Kaukauna, went to Milwaukee for over 15 years, and then worked in Madison. Marcia is very honored to help families in their time of need. She enjoys celebrating their loved one's life and personalizing their visitation and service. 

Marcia’s daughter, MacKenzie, lives in Brooklyn, New York. Marcia has a Standard Poodle named Payton, a cat named Marci, and a grand kitty, Sylvie. Outside of work, Marcia likes hiking locally and at national parks—Glacier National Park has been her favorite so far. She is also interested in animal rescue and cooking healthy recipes. 

"In 1961, I graduated from the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in Milwaukee.  The first funeral home I worked at was Ritter and Deutsch Funeral Home in Wausau. In 1963, I began my career at Helke Funeral Home.  One of my primary responsibilities was making sure that the preparation, cosmetics and casketing of each decedent was absolutely perfect, every time.  The last viewing of the deceased is a very important part of the grieving process.

I have made more friends, shared more stories and become part of the lives of more families than I could have ever imagined in my 57 years as a funeral director.  Even though I am "retired", I am honored when families ask if I can help with their loved one's funeral. I still always try to be there for them."

Calley is originally from Owen-Withee, Wisconsin, and previously worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She has a passion for helping people. She considers it an honor to help carry out a loved one’s last wishes and provide families with a sense of caring and understanding in their time of loss. Calley and her wife, Missy, have two sons, Issaic and Lucas, and five dogs. Outside of work, Calley enjoys making tie blankets and spending time four-wheeling, fishing, and bowling.

Born and raised in the Wausau area, Lauren spent some time in Whitewater, WI, pursuing an arts education degree, catering to a love of ceramics and glass blowing. She moved back home to explore a few career options before becoming a licensed funeral director apprentice in 2024. In her free time, Lauren enjoys reading, hiking, tending to her house plants, thrifting, and creating art through various mediums.

Mary graduated from UW-Stout with degrees in Psychology and Counseling, along with a Master's Degree in Education from UW-Stevens Point. Mary is a retired educator from the Wausau School District after 35 years of service.

Mary and her husband, Dick, enjoy sharing time with their two sons, one of whom lives in the Wausau area and the other in Denver, Colorado. They enjoy volunteering in the community with the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, their church-St. Andrew Lutheran Church, and various other volunteer opportunities. Their small hobby farm keeps them busy, but in Mary's spare time, she enjoys gardening and horseback riding.

Ingrid was born and raised in Wausau, Wisconsin, and after a short time of living abroad, she is grateful to be back in her hometown serving her community in this meaningful way. Ingrid is married and loves to spend as much time with her family as she can. In her free time, she likes being outdoors hiking, kayaking, swimming, and camping. She also enjoys the arts and loves to make jewelry, paint, draw, crochet, and play the bass. Ingrid has a genuine passion for helping families honor their loved ones and is very grateful to be part of the funeral home team.

Holly is originally from Belgium, WI, and moved to the Wausau area shortly after graduating. After years in hospitality and food service management, she recognized her interest in funeral care and took a chance in a new position. With a love for learning and an organic passion for helping others, Holly is grateful to be helping families in need. 

When out of the office, Holly enjoys traveling, hunting, helping on the family farm, and taking care of all her pets.

Ryley is the Office Manager in our Wausau Chapel. Ryley graduated from UW – Stout with a Bachelors degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management. She lived in the Menomonie, Eau Claire area for 8 years after school before moving back to her hometown of Wausau.

Ryley spends her free time with her friends, family and cats. She enjoys her interaction with the community on a daily basis and takes pride in assisting our funeral directors with the families who walk through our doors.

Logan is from Schofield and went to high school at the Engineering and Global Leadership Academy. He attended multiple Navy training centers and was an honor graduate of the Navy FC “A” School. 

Logan has always had a passion for helping people in any way he can. Outside of work, he enjoys playing video games, hiking, watching documentaries, and traveling, especially road trips.

Born and raised in Oostburg, Tim is a retired teacher of political science and economics. He enjoyed coaching for over 60 seasons. Tim and his wife, Mary Jo enjoy their young grandsons and families in Seattle and Roberts, WI.

"I was a barber in Wausau for 45 years.  I served in the Army Reserves and am currently a commissioner on the Rib Mountain Sanitary Board.  I am a member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.  My wife, Martha and I have been married 53 years and have three children and one grandson.  For relaxation, I enjoy woodworking, reading and taking long walks.  At Helkes, I like working with the families and the variety of the job."

Bob was raised in Wausau and retired from the Wausau School District after 34 years as an educator and guidance counselor. He is married with three children and five grandchildren, who all live in the Wausau area. Outside of work, Bob enjoys woodworking, restoring old cars, and spending time in his shop. He participates in numerous volunteer opportunities in Wausau and is a trustee in the Wausau Elks Lodge 248.

Roger retired from Emmons Business Interiors after a career that spanned almost 46 years. Roger is married to Jan, and they have four daughters, four granddaughters, and one grandson. Roger served 4 ½ years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Jan & Roger are members of the Elks Club Lodge #248. He loves spending time with his family, traveling and fishing. When not working Roger is involved with his church, Church of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Originally from Winnipeg, Canada, Elaina relocated to Wausau 17 years ago. She and her husband, Dan, have two sons.

Elaina enjoys traveling and spending time with family and close friends.

Matt was raised in Merrill and now lives in Weston. He and his wife, Keri, have two children. For over 25 years, Matt has taught at Northcentral Technical College. He also served in the US Air Force. In his free time, Matt enjoys spending time with his family at the cabin, going for walks with his wife, working on his old car, and riding his Harley. He and his family are on a competitive water ski show team called the Water Walkers. Matt also gives back to his community as a board member of WATEA’s Wheels to Work program.

Oliver is a loveable, adventurous Miniature Goldendoodle who was born on Valentine’s Day in 2022 in Mosinee, WI. He was trained by the amazing staff at The Bark Academy in Wausau and is proud to be the first grief therapy dog in Wausau. His mission in life is to bring smiles during the hardest of times and provide a needed distraction from the seriousness of situations, especially for children. Besides serving at the funeral home, Oliver is also involved in the community, making public appearances, working requested services, and visiting community residences. He offers perfect handshakes and a calming presence.

Oliver is a recipient of the American Kennel Club’s S.T.A.R. Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, and Community Canine awards. He loves to play in the water, attend daycare, and go on car drives. He also enjoys hiking with his handler, Shawn Smith, who is a licensed funeral director at the funeral home. Oliver’s favorite treats are freeze-dried minnows and, of course, cheese (after all, he is from Wisconsin!).