James "Jim" William Heling

James “Jim” W. Heling, age 73 of the Town of Bear Creek, passed away unexpectedly on Monday evening, November 18, 2024 at ThedaCare Medical Center, New London.

James “Jim” William Heling was born October 25, 1951 in Clintonville, WI, son to the late Clarence & Beth (Goodstorf) Heling. He attended Clintonville schools and graduated from Clintonville High School with the class of 1969. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in February of 1971, where he served as a cannoneer. After his honorable discharge in January of 1973, he returned to the area where he started work and was planning to marry Mary Lou Orr, when he was in a serious motorcycle accident, completely shattering his leg. While the wedding was postponed, and he was recovering in the ICU for 3 months, he met Robert “Evel” Knievel. Mr Knievel was also receiving treatment in the same hospital for injuries sustained in a failed stunt in Kaukauna, a story Jim told often. Jim and Mary were finally united in marriage on November 9, 1974 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bear Creek. He worked for Nordberg, Clintonville for many years as a welder, and also owned and operated Hulda’s Bar, Bear Creek for close to 20 years. Jim retired after becoming fully disabled, but that didn’t stop him; he volunteered with many organizations, continuing to serve his community. He was active with the Wisconsin Bow Hunters, the Wildlife Turkey Federation, the Little Wolf Gobblers, and taught hunter’s safety for over 30 years. He enjoyed attending many rendezvous events dressed in his buckskinner’s outfit. Jim looked forward to playing the character of Santa at Christmas time at Balsam Creek Lane Tree Farm for many years. He was a master of the hum strum, a genuinely Wisconsin percussion instrument, and could hold a conversation with anyone, many times longer than the other person could handle. Jim was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Bear Creek, for many years. The family recently enjoyed celebrating Jim and Mary’s 50 year anniversary. Jim loved the time he spent helping at the Miller Farm and hunting on their land. He will be remembered for his strong will, the ease at which he always had a witty response, and the love he had for his family and friends.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Mary
Daughters: Mindy (Scott) Norder & Krista (Matt) Curtis
Grandchildren: Olivia, Amelia, Brady, Hannah, Halle, & Lainey
Siblings: Tom Heling & Pat Heling
Half-Siblings: Carol Heling & Chuck Heling

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary; and both sets of his grandparents.

Memorial services will be held at 12 PM on Monday, November 25, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bear Creek, with the Rev. Aric Fenske officiating. Inurnment will take place following the service at the parish cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by VFW Post #664, American Legion Post #63, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit #63, all of Clintonville.

Visitation will take place on Monday at the church from 9 AM until the time of service.

The Heling family would like to thank the Bear Creek First Responders, Clintonville Ambulance, and the staff at ThedaCare Medical Center, New London.

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville is assisting the Heling family with arrangements.

An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.