County Seat Newspaper
of Clare County

THOMAS “TOM” HELINSKI

MARCH 20, 1945 – APRIL 15, 2020

Posted

Thomas “Tom” Helinski 75 of rural Harrison passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at Gladwin Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation. Thomas was born March 20, 1945 in Detroit, Michigan the son of Harry George Helinski and Anna Rita (Lakuzek) Helinski. Tom graduated from New Haven High School in 1964. Upon graduation, Thomas honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Mr. Helinski retired from Chrysler Corporation for over twenty-nine years as an electrician.

                Tom had resided in rural Harrison since 2000, moving from Ray Township, Michigan. He was a Life Member of Clare County VVA Chapter 1047 and Life member of AMVETS, member of American Legion Post 404 of Harrison, member of Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 2235 of Harrison and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3541 of Harrison. Tom enjoyed floral gardening, listening to music, watching various television shows, baking and preparing traditional Polish dishes and was  an avid collector and restorer of old cars.

                Mr. Helinski is survived by his two beloved sisters; Barbara Dubicki and husband John of Harrison and BettyAnn Stimson and husband Don also of Harrison, six nieces, five nephews, his companion, Linda Drinkwine of Harrison, plus many close friends and brother veterans. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Kathy O’Brien and one nephew, Christopher Dubicki.

                Visitation for Mr. Helinski will be held Monday, April 20, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. from Stocking Funeral Home, Harrison, with the limitation of ten family members or guests at any given time, following the COVID-19 guidelines. Burial will be held Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. from Willow Grove Cemetery, Armada, Michigan. Celebration of Life and Military Honors for Tom will be announced at a later date.