Benjamin Dale Helmer, of Oshkosh, passed away Monday, October 7, 2024, at Oakwood Manor in Oshkosh. He was 81 years old.

Ben was born December 29, 1942, in Fond du Lac, the son of Carl and Fern (Thornton) Helmer. He graduated from Oakfield High School in 1960.

On August 6, 1966 he married Tracy Reinhardt and they had four children. Ben farmed in different areas including Athens, WI; Hatley, WI; and Hartville, MO before settling down outside of Campbellsport. Ben eventually quit farming and worked at Giddings and Lewis in Fond du Lac in 1990, retiring in 2004. Ben and Tracy divorced in 1996.

On September 6, 2003 Ben married Virginia Wojdac. He and Virginia were both members of the Cheyenne Shuffle Dance Club until 2020. Ben and Virginia worked on their farm in Kennan, WI, remodeling the 5-bedroom house and tearing down the barn. During their retirement they visited the Kennan/Phillips area on weekends, and they traveled often, visiting friends and family. After selling the farm in 2014, Ben lived at home in Oshkosh and did taxes for people at the Senior Center and the United Way from 2015 until 2020. In August 2024, he moved to Oakwood Manor.

Ben is survived by his wife, Virginia Wojdac of Oshkosh; his children, Eric Helmer of Alexis, NC; Michelle (Jeff) Olson of Fond du Lac; Adam (Julia) Helmer of Brantwood; and Katie (Dale) Arnett of Georgetown, KY. Also surviving are his stepsons, Robert (Stephanie) Rucinski and Mark Rucinski; siblings Charlotte (Jeffery) Zielieke of Campbellsport and Norman (Anne) Helmer of Fond du Lac. He is also survived by grandchildren Chase (Ally) Hagen, Seth Hagen, Trevor Olson, Anika Olson, Erika Olson, Calvin Helmer, Zachary Helmer, Dexter Helmer, Brian Rucinski, and Daniel Rucinski; great-grandchildren Jax and Cal Hagen, Zander and Luna Cratchy; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Fern Helmer; brothers Ellwyn Helmer, Robert Helmer, DuWayne Helmer, David Helmer; sisters Joann Grainger and Judith Clem; nephews Richard Newton, James Helmer, and niece Patricia Berndt.

Visitation will be held at Living Water Lutheran Church, 1585 S. Oakwood Road, Oshkosh on Friday, November 1, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM with services following at 11:00 AM.