ONTONAGON - David Harold Helsius, 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 28, 2009, at Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital 's Long Term Care Unit.
He was born in Trout Creek where he eventually began his career and love for the lumber industry. David also worked periodically in the insurance business.
He was an elder and charter member of the Greenland Seventh-day Adventist Church and was instrumental in bringing together the people who would create such a unique log design.
David was gifted with his hands, being able to artistically paint and make crafts. He was known for being able to fix anything.
David is survived by his wife, Janet (Vercoe) Helsius, formerly of Ishpeming. They were married for 54 years and had five children: David, Jr. (Darlene) Helsius of Brookfield, Ohio, Kerri (Mark) Castleberg of Oconto, Wis., Jeffrey (Virginia) Helsius of Oconto, Wis., Cory (Diane) Helsius of Portland, Ore., and Jonathon (Dana) Helsius of Raleigh, N.C.; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded din death by his parents Harold and Ida (Olgnen), his sisters Audrey Hongisto and Verna Deterling, and a niece Debra Deterling.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 17 at 1 p.m. at the Greenland Seventh-day Adventist Church in Greenland , Mich., on Firesteel Road off Highway M-38. The Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Friends may view David's obituary and leave condolences at canefunealhome.com.