Karl Lyle Helwig

Dr. Karl Lyle Helwig, 90, Winona, formerly of Superior and Barnum, died peacefully on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 at his home while in the care of his family. He was born on October 17, 1927 in Humbird, WI to Karl Lyle Helwig Sr. and Almyra Lillian Stuve.

He was Salutatorian at his Central High School graduation in Superior, WI. He graduated in three years instead of four, which allowed him to graduate with his older sister Virginia, who was Valedictorian by one point.

He entered the U. S. Navy and was stationed on Guam where he came to know Jesus, his Savior, through Youth for Christ. He was honorably discharged after 2 years of military service as an Electronic Technician's Mate Third Class on November 21,1947.

He married Opal Ruth Finifrock on August 26, 1951 in Barnum, MN (during the Barnum County Fair), while he was still in medical school and she was still in nurses training (at different locations).

Karl received his bachelor of science degree in medical science from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1950. He received his doctor of medicine from the medical school at University of Wisconsin Madison in 1954 and joined the American Medical Association.

He was a small town doctor for eight years in Kerkhoven, MN. He then went on to do his pathology residency at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, MN July 1963- July 1967 and joined the College of American Pathologists. He practiced pathology in Virginia, MN for 6 years, and then at Marquette General Hospital in Marquette, MI for 12 years until he was disabled by a traumatic brain injury in 1985.

He moved to Barnum, MN in 1993, where he lived until he moved to Winona, MN with his daughter, Suzanne Touchinski, in 2010, so that she could care for him in his old age.

During his life he belonged to Gideon's International. He was on the Youth for Christ board in Virginia, MN. He served in Baptist churches most of his life as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, church pianist, and a church choir member. He taught home Bible studies and led a Bible study at the state prison in Marquette, MI. He gave free camp physicals, and he kept his doctor's bag with him so that he could help anyone that needed help.

He was a private pilot, a ham radio operator, and loved electronics and doing auto mechanics. He loved running, especially through trails in the woods - mapping them all out. He read 100's of books to his family and made snow forts every winter. He led his family in Bible reading and prayer and was an example of faith in Jesus Christ.

Karl is survived by his children: Karl Lee (Lynn Glee), Jean Lois (Dennis Lanska), William Thomas (Sarah Erickson), and Suzanne Marie (Jeffrey Touchinski), 17 grandchildren, and 33 great grandchildren; and sister, Beth Martin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his two sons: David Allen Helwig and Daniel Keith Helwig, his brother and his sister: William Otto Helwig and Virginia Goplen Anderson, and by his great grand daughter Phoenix Bliss Collelo.

Burial will be in Sandy Lake Cemetery, Blackhoof Twp.