Michael "Mike" William Helfrich

Michael “Mike” William Helfrich, 80, of Carterville, passed away Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale. He was born September 10, 1942, in Evansville, Indiana, to the late Michael and Annabelle (Goedde) Helfrich.

Visitation will be held at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, beginning with a Rosary prayer service from 4:30-5:00.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin, with Fr. Mark Reyling officiating. Burial will be in Willowrest Cemetery in Carterville.

Memorial contributions can be made to the OLMC Church Improvement Fund.

Mike married Latricia “Trish” Elaine VanBuskirk on May 23, 1964, in Evansville, Indiana.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Trish Helfrich of Carterville; daughters, Tracy (Steve) Taylor, Katie (Gene) Shaneyfelt, and Sarah (Matt) Barnstable; sons, Mike (Lori) Helfrich, Dan (Tonya) Helfrich, and Greg (Tina Craft) Helfrich; grandchildren, Anna, Alec, Will, and Lindsey Taylor, Morgan Helfrich, Kendall (Vince) Vaccaro, Kelsey (Shawn) Struchen, Scotty (Ashley) Clinton, Jesse Helfrich, Zachary Helfrich, Ryan, Jack, and Sam Helfrich, Elaine and Jillian Shaneyfelt, and Annabelle, Mary, and Peter Barnstable; great-grandchildren, Anthony, Nicholas, Ella, and Mila; sisters, Cary (Jim) Fehrenbacher, and Mary Beth (Bob) Rogers; sister-in-law, Linda Helfrich; brother-in-law, Ron (Jean) VanBuskirk; and several nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ed Helfrich.

Mike and Trish were a match truly made in Heaven.  It took only a moment of admiring them moving as one on the dance floor or joyfully preparing their regular Sunday evening dinners together for the family to see that their love was the kind that even the best authors have difficulty capturing in words. Together, through their words, works and way of life, Mike and Trish taught their six children the value of Faith and the value of Family.  Mike loved watching his children and grandchildren throughout all of their school activities and sporting events.  Regardless of the outcome, his family always knew that he supported them and loved them unconditionally.

Mike began his career in Illinois working as an insurance agent and realtor for Don Gentry Real Estate. He then went on to co-own and operate Mausey-Helfrich Construction Company for over 30 years. After retiring, Mike became a construction observer for Architechniques.

Mike had a strong commitment to his community, serving as a City Councilman for 8 years and as a member of the Carterville Unit 5 School Board for 14 years. In addition, Mike spent decades running the clock for Lions’ Football, working as a volunteer firefighter in his younger years, and supporting the development of his local Catholic Church.

Mike was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting. He loved cooking and spent time at the counter each day being Trish’s personal sous-chef. He was a ferocious reader and always cherished his times spent with family and friends.

Mike will forever be missed.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael "Mike" William Helfrich, please visit our floral store.