Harlow J. Hellstrom

Hellstrom, Harlow J.

One month shy of celebrating 56 years of marriage with his beloved bride Norma, Harlow passed away on January 27 after living valiantly for five years with Parkinson’s disease. Harlow spent his life loving his wife, his family and friends, practicing law with integrity, participating in his community with passion and traveling the world on an adventure with Norma. Harlow was 80 years young.

As a man of great faith, he and Norma were committed members of St. Gregory the Great Parish for over 50 years. As a great supporter of Catholic education, Harlow had children or grandchildren in the school for more than three decades. During that time, Harlow coached many sports teams and served as a player and manger for the St. Greg’s softball team for 40 years. He took great pride in serving the church as a lector and member of St. Vincent DePaul Society.

Professionally, Harlow practiced Family Law for over 45 years, tirelessly serving families in the Wisconsin area. A graduate of Marquette University and Marquette Law School, he was a Warrior to his core – with a deep respect for intellectual values. A very proud collegiate wrestler, Harlow served as coach and life-long supporter of Marquette’s wrestling program.

Harlow played as hard as he worked. He was an avid wrestler, scuba diver, snow and water skier, football and baseball player, and rider of many roller coasters. Together, he and Norma spent many years learning about the world through travel and sharing what they found while visiting six continents. Always a proud Irishman, their travels took them three times to the Emerald Isle, and his joy of listening to and singing Irish music took them to many Irish Pubs and a nearly annual Irish Music Cruise.

Harlow’s love and dedication to his family is nearly indescribable. He is so loved by his children Rich Patrice Sonnenberg Hellstrom, Patter Paul Aaronson Hellstrom, Nancy Paul Spangrud, Katie Jeff Davis, Sue David Hellstrom, Tom Hellstrom, and his grandchildren Angela, Julie Hellstrom, Madeline, Logan Jensen, Bridgette Tony Koscinski, Nicole, Joe Wellstein, Tony Davis, Gracey, Hank, Samuel Hellstrom, and Will Spangrud. He is also much loved by his mother-in-law Lillian French.

Harlow was welcomed at the Pearly Gates by his adoring parents Harlow Sr. and Patricia, and great friend Barney Karpfinger.

Visitation Friday 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Funeral Home. Mass Of Christian Burial Saturday 10:30 AM at ST. GREGORY THE GREAT CHURCH, 60th and Oklahoma. Please meet at the church. Private internment Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

In leau of flowers memorials to St. Vincent de Paul Society appreciated.

Harlow was a great man. He taught us well, he loved us well – and he “left it all on the field.” He lived life to the fullest. His spirit will continue to inspire and guide us always.