Harry J. Helfrich

     Harry J. Helfrich, age 77, of Henderson, NV; formerly of Peotone, passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2023, following a sudden illness.  A memorial visitation will be held at the Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home on Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. with a memorial service being held at 4:00 p.m.

     Harry was born on January 28, 1946, in Chicago Heights, the son of Paul Z. and Marian L. (Fedde) Helfrich.  He was a Peotone High School graduate; Class of 1964, and then attended Southern Illinois University earning a degree in Mortuary Science.  He married Patricia “Pat” Doorley on October 8, 1966.  She passed away on March 14, 2019.  Harry joined the family businesses in Peotone; Fedde-Helfrich Chapel and Fedde’s Home Store, in 1967 where he worked alongside his father, Paul, until his death in 1989.  Harry was the 5^th generation of his family to own and operate these businesses. 

     He served as the secretary/treasurer of the Peotone Cemetery Association.  Harry enjoyed playing cards and ping-pong with his many friends.  But everyone who knew Harry understood his passion was playing golf.  He was a long-time member of the Tuesday Night Golf League at Minne Monesse Golf Course in Grant Park along with playing numerous other golf courses with his friends and family.  Harry operated another small side-business out of the backroom of the furniture store buying, selling, trading, and re-gripping golf clubs.  Harry and Pat enjoyed traveling to Nevada over the years and retired in Henderson, NV in 2008.  Once living in Henderson, Harry made numerous new friends and continued to enjoy playing golf.  He played his final round on Saturday, May 20, 2023. 

     Harry is survived by his daughter, Heidi Helfrich; his son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Jeanette Helfrich; his grandchildren, Zeller, Gianna, and Bella Helfrich; his siblings, Richard (the late Jinnie) Helfrich, Paula (Helfrich) Beverage, and Tom (the late Jill) Helfrich; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom and Nancy Doorley; his sister-in law, Nanette Doorley; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kathy and Michael Hoffman; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Marian Helfrich; his wife, Patricia “Pat” Helfrich; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edward and Wilma Doorley; and his brother-in-law, Joe Doorley.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be directed to the Peotone Cemetery Association, PO Box 1048, Peotone, IL 60468

Share a memory at www.feddehelfrichcrossfh.com