Todd J. “Ace” Helfrich, 53, of Freeburg, IL, born January 31, 1969, died Friday, November 25, 2022, at a tragic fire at his residence.
Todd attended St. Joseph Grade School and graduated in 1987 from Althoff Catholic High School. While in high school he continued to play soccer with his Belle-Clair buddies that he had played with for years growing up. There were so many “Todd’s on his soccer teams that he was given the nickname “Ace” and it stuck through adulthood. Todd was also a referee and soccer coach at St. Joseph Grade School while he was in high school.
Todd enjoyed writing and had written some meaningful and great poems back in the day! He also enjoyed a few journalism classes at SWIC. He was a bachelor and never married but enjoyed many great friendships over the years, men and women alike, it didn’t matter. Todd was a wonderful friend and would give you a helping hand in time of need.
Todd enjoyed working outdoors at Braeutigam Orchards in high school. He had also worked at Wiegmann (Hubbell) as a painter on the shop floor for 15 years, and most recently he had worked as a laborer for various companies. He loved cooking, watching cooking videos, and raising chickens and rabbits. He enjoyed watching all sports and participated in many outdoor sports including fishing and hunting. Todd loved hanging out with friends and it gave him much enjoyment. He will truly be missed by his dear mother, family, and friends.
Todd was preceded in death by his father, Leon Helfrich; maternal grandparents, Elmer and Gertrude Mudd; paternal grandparents, Adolph and Otilia Helfrich, nee Becker.
Surviving are his mother, Carolyn Helfrich, nee Mudd, of Freeburg, IL; a sister, LeAnn (Kevin) Edelen; a brother, Kevin Helfrich; six nieces and nephews, Lauren (Kyle) Langrehr, Kayla (Chris) Lynch, Nick Edelen, Alex Edelen, Keith Helfrich, and Karli Helfrich; and several great-nieces, great-nephews and many cousins.
Memorials may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Association, or Autism Society of Southern Illinois, or to Hunt Of A Lifetime. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, December 3, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Freeburg, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 3, 2022, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Freeburg, IL with Fr. Von Deeke officiating.
Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Freeburg, IL.