Harry J. Helfrich, 77, of Henderson, Nevada, formerly of Peotone, passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2023, following a sudden illness. Born on January 28, 1946, in Chicago Heights, he was the son of Paul Z. and Marian L. (Fedde) Helfrich.

He was a Class of 1964 Peotone High School graduate and then attended Southern Illinois University, earning a degree in Mortuary Science. He married Patricia “Pat” Doorley on October 8, 1966. She passed away on March 14, 2019.

In 1967, Harry joined the family businesses in Peotone, Fedde-Helfrich Chapel and Fedde’s Home Store, where he worked alongside his father, Paul, until his death in 1989. Harry was the fifth generation of his family to own and operate these businesses. He also served as the secretary/treasurer of the Peotone Cemetery Association.

Harry enjoyed playing cards and ping-pong with his many friends. But everyone who knew Harry understood his passion was playing golf. He was a long-time member of the Tuesday Night Golf League at Minne Monesse Golf Course in Grant Park, along with playing numerous other golf courses with his friends and family. Out of the backroom of the furniture store, Harry operated another small side-business – buying, selling, trading, and re-gripping golf clubs. Harry and Pat enjoyed traveling to Nevada over the years and retired in Henderson, in 2008. Once in Henderson, Harry made numerous new friends and continued to enjoy playing golf. He played his final round on Saturday, May 20, 2023.

Harry is survived by his daughter, Heidi Helfrich; son, Steve (Jeanette) Helfrich; grandchildren, Zeller, Gianna, and Bella Helfrich; siblings, Richard (the late Jinnie) Helfrich, Paula (Helfrich) Beverage, and Tom (the late Jill) Helfrich; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom and Nancy Doorley; sister-in law, Nanette Doorley; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kathy and Michael Hoffman; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Marian Helfrich; wife, Patricia “Pat” Helfrich; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edward and Wilma Doorley; and brother-in-law, Joe Doorley.

Cremation rites have been accorded, with a memorial visitation and service to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be directed to the Peotone Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 1048, Peotone, IL 60468.

Share a memory at www.feddehelfrichcrossfh.com.