Helmut Oskar Stojke was born in 1935 in Prussia on the Vistula River to Roman and Olga. Orphaned by age 7, he left his home during WWII, fleeing by horse and wagon on a tremendous journey through embattled lands with his grandparents, his sister Alma and other relatives and settling in a small village in western Germany, sadly leaving behind his stepmother and half-brother Udo due to wartime circumstances.

Then in the late 50’s, Helmut immigrated to the U.S., sponsored by previous immigrant generations of family and began his life here, served his draft duty in the military, learned English, and became U.S citizen. Later, when visiting distant cousins in Wisconsin, he met the love of his life Anita at a dance at the Caroline Ballroom near Clintonville WI. They married shortly after and began their life together on the east coast, working and starting a family, raising two devoted children, James (Patti) and Susan (Alan), and later moving back to Anita’s birth state of Wisconsin and settling there. Helmut continued his trade work as a machinist until his retirement, devoting time to family, gardening, travel and reconnecting with his brother Udo and cousins in Germany, all while following four grandchildren in many of their youthful endeavors: Abby, Samuel (Deleah), Madeline (Seth) and Peter (girlfriend Ashley). He was very proud of the arrival of his first great-grandchild which brought his heart great joy.

A man of faith and a devoted husband, father and friend, Helmut was there to roll up his sleeves and get to work helping for anyone or any event, no matter the occasion. He enjoyed hosting gatherings for family and friends and was always the charismatic gentleman, carrying himself as kind, caring and respectful to all. Helmut rarely missed a chance to fix anything, paint a room, repair a car, or build a building, holding many talents as he did. He was a creative, industrious, and tireless man, except at nap time of course. Some would even call him the most fastidious and diligent person they had met, but he willingly bestowed all these wonderful traits freely on all who called him dad, grandpa, or friend.

Beyond the pride of his family, his great personal joy was fishing on any water or hunting on any land. There were many fishing and hunting trips with family and friends that created wonderful memories he would recount to all who shared his company and the family thanks Fred for providing an especially enjoyable hunting space in his later years.

Go in peace Pop, till we meet again, tsick-a tsack-a, tsick-a tsack-a, hoy hoy hoy!

Helmut is survived by his loving wife Anita who will miss him terribly, his sister Alma and brother Udo along with his children, grandchildren, and a great grandchild.

We would like to thank the staff at Oak Park Place and the nurses from Moments Hospice for the awesome care and love provided to Helmut during his time there.

Join the family for a memorial gathering at Wichman Funeral Home on Superior Street in Appleton on Saturday October 17, 2026, from 10:00am until 1:00 pm along with memorial service at 1:00pm.