Dwight E. Helmke, 75, of Sparta, died on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Morrow Home Assisted Living in Sparta. On June 10, 1950, he was born to Kermit and Marlene (Ludeking) Helmke in Harris County, Texas. With his father being in the service, Dwight spent his childhood moving to various new towns and cities before his family settled in Tomah. He was a member of Tomah High School’s graduating class of 1968. After graduation, Dwight began working alongside his grandparents on their farm in the township of Ridgeville. He went on to work at a local carwash and the Handy Shop Industries before accepting a job at Fort McCoy in the custodial department where he continued to work until his retirement in 2021. Dwight was united in marriage to the love of his life, Judith “Judy” Holum, on April 30, 1982, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tomah. In life, Dwight was known to be a faithful and active member of St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church. He enjoyed participating in their Men’s Club, singing with the choir, serving as an usher, and was proud to be a member of the church council. Dwight was an avid sports fan and loved supporting and rooting for the Green Bay Packers. He also enjoyed snacking on Oreo’s, grabbing lunch at the local Arby’s, and socializing with anyone and everyone, often making friends wherever he went. In his later years, Dwight always looked forward to his “candy runs”, which involved driving around the countryside and making stops at various Amish farms where he would delight in conversation and leave with homemade candy for his family and close friends. Dwight will be remembered for his kind and gentle soul and will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him.
Dwight is survived by his family, Jill (Richard) Helming of Warrens, Sarah (Daniel) Briggs of Warrens, Joanna (David) Archer of Hortonville, WI, and Suzanne Williams of Antioch, CA; 8 grandchildren, David (Miranda) Helming, Zachary (Amy Bryant) Helming, Ashleigh (Joe) Brand, Alysha Wilbanks, Charyl Norris, Tatianna (Caleb) Jensen-Briggs, Bryce Archer, and Spencer Archer; 9 great-grandchildren, Harper, Adley, and Holden Helming, Zaylee Brand, Harmoni, Gabriel, Josie, Sylas, and Romeo Wilbanks; siblings, Keith (Jill) Helmke of Park City, UT, and Christine (Ike) Maxis of Miamisburg, OH; brother-in-law, Fred (Colette) Bohlmann of Cedarburg, WI; step-mother, Helene Helmke of Dayton, OH; he is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other family members, and close friends.
Dwight is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy; parents, Kermit and Marlene; and a brother, Merlyn.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 12 Noon until 2:00 P.M. at the Log Cabin, 720 Pine St. Warrens. A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, 11:00 A.M. at the Danavang Cemetery. Pastor Mark Kahrs will officiate. The family requests that memorials be given to St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church and School in Tomah. Online Condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home
