Ted Helgren

DETROIT, Mich. - Ted Helgren, 58, of Clinton Township, Mich., died peacefully surrounded by family members on Jan. 15, 2018, at Harper Hospital in Detroit following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Ted was born on May 3, 1959, in White Pine before moving with his family to Garden City in 1960. Despite growing up in the Detroit area, Ted always considered himself a Yooper. He and his family spent their entire summers on the family farm in Ironwood. Ted always said the happiest times of his childhood were spent on the farm, a "boy heaven" of outdoor fun and playing sports with his brother and many friends in Erwin Township.

The other great joy of Ted's life was his children and grandchildren. He lived in many different parts of the country, but in recent years he moved back to Michigan to be closer to his family. He coached and cheered on the many sports teams of his children and grandchildren. Among Ted's passions were range shooting and basketball, specifically his beloved Detroit Pistons.

Ted had many different jobs throughout his life, but in recent years was employed as a technician at PCS Company in Frazer, where he was a valued employee.

Ted is survived by his daughter, Jenni McHenry, of Plymouth, sons, Eric (Cheryl) Helgren, of Warren, and Julius Helgren, of Ortonville; father, Clarence Helgren, of Venice, Fla .; mother, Helen Helgren, of Venice, Fla .; brother, Paul (Tammy) Helgren, of Ottawa Hills, Ohio, and sister, Julie (Jim) Podewitz, of Spring Hill, Tenn .; as well as grandchildren Christian, Kayla, Colin, Gregory and Isaac. He is preceded in death by granddaughter Madeline.

In lieu of flowers, Ted's family has suggested a donation in his memory to either Hospice of Michigan or Eversight, an organ donation organization that helps bring sight to the blind, or a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at the old Helgren farm in Erwin Township in July. Details follow.