Austin Helffrich Sr.

Austin J. Helffrich Sr., 86, of Ottawa passed away Thursday, June 9, 2016 at Morris Hospital.

Funeral Ceremony will be held at 6:00 pm Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at Ottawa Funeral Home with Father Tony Fevlo officiating with military services. Visitation will be 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm prior to services, Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at Ottawa Funeral Home. Cremation rites will be accorded following services and he will be buried at a later date at Ottawa Avenue Cemetery.

Austin was born February 23, 1930 in Ottawa, Illinois to August and Rose (Murry) Helffrich. He married Therese M. Burke on October 20, 1956 in St. Patrick's Church; she preceded him in death December 3, 2013. He proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was an Airman 1st Class in the Eighth Division. He retired from LOF after 30 years of service. He was a member of St. Patrick's Church, American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus. Austin enjoyed being outdoors; hunting and especially fishing. He could be found fishing on the Illinois River, in Wisconsin, and ice fishing in the backwaters of Mississippi. When he wasn't fishing he enjoyed working in his vegetable garden. In the past he and his wife Therese raised German Short Haired Pointers. In 2007 he was honored in the American Sportsman Hall of Fame.

He is survived by one daughter, Debra (Terence) Alsvig-Einhaus; two sons, Austin "Aunnie" Helffrich Jr. and Tim Helffrich; three grandchildren, Curtiss (Meghan) Alsvig, David (Ashley) Alsvig, and Lindsay (C.J.) Lyon; four great grandchildren, Payton, Ryleigh, and Makenna Lyon; and Jax Michael Alsvig; and one sister, Mary Duffield.

He is preceded in death by his wife, parents; two siblings, Marge Keast and Donald Helffrich; and one great granddaughter, Ellah Therese Lyon.

Memorials may be directed to his family.