Gene Russell Hellman

Gene Russell Hellman, 84, passed away on May 5, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, integrity, wisdom, and deep love for family and friends.

Gene grew up in Dollar Bay, Michigan, and attended Michigan Technological University, where he earned degrees in Applied Physics and later an MBA. It was during his college years in the Houghton/Hancock area that he met the love of his life, Ella Jean “Ginger” Hellman, at the Coffee Cup restaurant. Gene had been told by a friend that he should ask Ginger on a date. When he stopped in to ask her out, she told him she needed to study. Never discouraged, Gene suggested she bring a flashlight to the movie so she could do both. That quick wit and persistence began a love story that lasted more than 60 years after they married in 1964.

Together, Gene and Ginger built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, hard work, and community. They began married life in Dayton, Ohio, later moved to married student housing at Michigan Tech, and eventually made their permanent home in the Wausau, Wisconsin area, living in Rib Mountain, Stevens Point, and finally Kronenwetter.

Gene’s professional life reflected both his intelligence and determination. He began his career with General Motors before returning to graduate school. He later worked for IBM selling computer systems, then for Wausau Insurance in data security. In 1987, Gene began what became the defining chapter of his professional life when he joined Lutheran Brotherhood, later Thrivent, as a financial advisor. He built lasting relationships through his honesty, wisdom, and unwavering integrity.

A man of strong faith, Gene was one of the key founders of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kronenwetter in the 1980s. His commitment to serving others extended into the community, where he dedicated many years of service to the D.C. Everest School Board, including leadership roles on the board.

Gene was known for his quick wit, remarkable memory, and gift for storytelling. He seemed able to recall vivid details from experiences decades earlier, and every story carried a lesson, a moral, or a piece of timely advice. He genuinely loved people and seemed to run into someone he knew everywhere he went.

Outside of work and service, Gene cherished time spent with family. He loved fishing and deer hunting with his sons and lifelong friends each fall at "Bucksnort Lodge" in Merrill, Wisconsin. He also enjoyed horseback riding at Mackinac Island with his daughter, golf, and cross-country skiing. Together, Gene and Ginger spent countless hours on the road visiting the people they loved, creating memories with family and friends across Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Colorado, and beyond.

One of the places closest to Gene’s heart was the family cottage on Portage Lake in Michigan, simply known as “Camp,” which he built by hand with his father. Camp became the center of countless family memories — taking saunas, trips to Dreamland, picking rocks along Lake Superior, and gathering together across generations. Gene especially loved creating memorable experiences for his grandchildren, including an elaborate treasure hunt that began with a mysterious map washed ashore in a bottle, a story the family will treasure forever.

More than anything, Gene loved Ginger and his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ella Jean “Ginger” Hellman; his children, Melany Kaiser (John), Matt Hellman (Patty), and Thad Hellman (Jennifer); and his treasured grandchildren, Caleb, Alina, Jacob, Bethany, Ben, Kaley, Treyton, and Lewis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Edith Hellman, and his sister, Nancy Pfauth.

A Celebration of Life for Gene will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1901 Kowalski Road, Kronenwetter, WI. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church.

Memorial donations in Gene’s memory may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Gene will be remembered for his wisdom, humor, and the steady way he showed up for the people he loved. His stories, guidance, and presence will be deeply missed.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.ascendweston.org.