James J. Helinsky

James “Jim” Joseph Helinsky, age 82, of Linwood Township, Minnesota, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Born on August 8, 1942, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jim was the son of Laurence and Irene (Cogger) Helinsky. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he formed lifelong bonds and made memories that stayed with him throughout his life.

After his honorable discharge, Jim returned to Minnesota, where a chance encounter at a bowling alley forever changed his life. It was there he met Gladys Origer, the love of his life. After just a few months of dating, they married at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lino Lakes, Minnesota, on August 5, 1967. Together, they raised their two sons in Linwood Township, where Jim was a dedicated father, grandfather, and husband.

Jim spent over 40 years working at Carter Day Company, where he earned the respect of colleagues and made lasting contributions to the company’s success. But it was his love for the outdoors and his family that truly defined him. Whether he was hunting, fishing, or golfing, Jim cherished the time spent in nature and the memories created with those he loved.

Family was the center of Jim’s world. Many joyful moments were shared at the family’s hunting shack in McGregor, Minnesota, where adventures on four-wheelers and gatherings around the campfire were regular highlights. Jim’s legacy of love, kindness, and laughter will continue to resonate through the lives of his family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings LaVonne Goral, Rosie Hamm, Ronald Helinsky, and baby brother Larry Patrick Helinsky; as well as brothers-in-law Steve Goral and Bob Hamm.

Jim leaves behind his beloved wife of 58 years, Gladys; his sons, Terry (fiancée, Stephanie Anderson) Helinsky and Jimmy (Denise) Helinsky; his grandchildren, Tyler, Wyatt (fiancée, Alexis Jensen), Hannah, Sophia, Luke, and Logan; his sister-in-law, Pat Helinsky; the Origer family; and many nieces, nephews, family, and friends who were fortunate to know him.

Jim’s presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the stories, lessons, and laughter he leaves behind. May he rest in peace, knowing the impact he made on all who knew him.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Church of Saint Peter, 1250 South Shore Drive, Forest Lake, Minnesota.  The family will greet friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Monday, June 9, 2025 at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake and one hour prior to mass at the church.  A luncheon will immediately follow mass.  Interment at Linwood Township Cemetery.