Passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, at Covenant HealthCare. He was 77 years old. David Allan Helpap was born on December 30, 1941, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Frederick and Harriet (Ochsenkel) Helpap. He was a proud 1959 graduate of Arthur Hill High School. Following graduation, David attended Ferris State University. He became a court reporter in 1964 and joined the firm of General Reporting Service in 1970 and became president until he retired in 2016. David also taught court reporting at Saginaw Business Institute. He married Ruth M. Bernard in August 1965. David was a past member and golf president of the Germania Club; past member and president of Arthur Hill High School Letterwinners; past member and treasurer of the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame; past member of the Saginaw Zoning Commission; a member of the Pioneer Club; and co-owner and president of Papios Food and Spirits. He loved and played hockey, basketball, and baseball. David also loved his cabin on the Muskegon River, MSU, and the Detroit Tigers.
Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Ruth M. Helpap; three children, David (Lisa) Helpap, Jr.; Julia (Jeff) Kirkwood; Gregory (Stephanie) Helpap; grandchildren, Megan, Madison and David III Helpap; Maya and Samuel Kirkwood; brother, John (Jane) Helpap; nieces, Allyn Olson and Beth (Charlie) Piper; Lauren and Michael Olson; William and Ashley Piper.
Honoring Davids wishes cremation has taken place. A Celebration of his Life will be celebrated from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 2019, at Papios Food & Spirits, 2280 S. Reese Road, Reese, Michigan, 48757. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may consider the family wishes.
Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603