Republic, MI - Wallace M. Helmila, age 90, longtime Republic resident passed away Tuesday, August 3, 2021, at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility, while in the loving care of his family, staff members and the Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice.

Wally was born in Gaastra, MI on May 13, 1931, a son of the late Elizabeth (Jackola) and Walter Helmila. Wally served in the U.S. Army as a Corporal during the Korean War and was selected to the Military Police while there. Wally worked for the Dana Corp. truck factory in River Rouge, MI for 12 years. He then moved back to this area, working as a truck driver for the Hannah Mining Co. at the Groveland Mine in Felch for 21 years and finally as a delivery driver for the Ferrell Gas Co. for 14 years, retiring in 1998.

Wally was a member of the Republic VFW. He was an avid Detroit Tigers and Lions fan. Wally was known for his goofy fun-loving nature. He could always bring a smile to your face and make you laugh. He knew how to see the positive and look to the Lord for answers. Wally loved Sunday mornings at Church with family. In his younger years, Wally enjoyed coaching youth baseball and was a youth church group leader.  He also liked hunting and fishing, and his "morning coffee club."

Survivors include his wife Marilyn (Alatalo) Helmila of Republic whom he married on June 25, 1955, in Republic and together they shared 66 years of marriage; son - Walley (Karen) Helmila of Marquette; daughter, Lynn (Lowell) Hintsala of Republic; son - Wayne (Kim) Helmila of De Pere, WI; sister, Carol Crothers of Wyandotte; sister-in-law Esther Helmila of Miles City, MT; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Fred and Mildred Alatalo of Republic;  7 grandchildren - Walley (Brianne) Helmila II, Erica (Travis) Smith, Jaclyn Hintsala, Jamie (Anton) Pugeda, Jenna (Ryan) Huhtala, Lindsay (Colin) Lee-To, and Derek Helmila;  9 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and his beloved dog Reba.  Wally was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter Wendy, 2 sisters - Norma Mattila and Viola Mackey and a brother Bernard Helmila.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home from 10:00AM – 12:00PM on Saturday, August 7, 2021.  Funeral Services will follow at 12:00PM on Saturday with Rev. Mark Broberg to officiate. Military Honors will be accorded at the conclusion of the service. Interment will take place at the Republic Cemetery.

Wally's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

Wally's favorite bible verse was Jeremiah 33:3 which reads - Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.