Luther Navare (Luke) Helsel, 52, of Grayling passed away on Fri, Oct 23, 2009.
Luther was born in Cadillac, MI on Feb 28, 1957, the son of the late Jacob and Ellen (Snyder) Helsel.
He was a truck driver/ co-owner at Helsel Forest Products with his father and brother.
Luke was known as Mr. Santa because of his Christmas tree business and always making sure that everyone in the family had a Christmas tree. He enjoyed family oriented gatherings, was kind hearted and willing to give to anyone in need. He liked to begin his day at Mom’s for coffee in the morning. Luke was the instigator of many jokes and was a lot of fun for his family and friends to be around. He enjoyed outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, boating and cruising on his ‘Hawk’. He was the Grayling organizer of Whitetails Unlimited. Luke enjoyed finding a good deal whether it was at a garage sale or on his favorite program ‘swap & shop’, or winning at the casino.
Survived by mother, Ellen Helsel of Grayling, son Jason (Railee) Helsel of Grayling, MI, lifetime companion, Paula Capling and family, Bonnie (John) McLeod, Ryan (Jenny) Steiger, Ramanda (Dale) Burch, grandchildren: Cheyenne, Logan, Destinee, Savannah, Hayley, Kameron, Kayli and the anticipated birth of 2 other grandchildren, sisters, Virginia, Debbie, Cindy, and Stacy Helsel of Grayling, MI, step sisters, Roxanne, Rose, and Abbey, brothers, Jake W. Sr. ‘Frenchie’ (Ginger) Helsel, Travis Helsel and Jesse Helsel all of Grayling, several nieces and nephews: Tonya & Bosco Babbitt, Casey Helsen (Noah, Levi, and Mackenzie), Jacob W. Jr. and Emmett Helsel. Special friend that has been caretaker of for several years: David “Sam” Wells.
Preceded in death by his father Jacob Helsel, brothers, Stevie and Johnny Helsel.
Final arrangements pending.