Conrad Heleniak

Conrad Heleniak, 89, Green Bay, passed away September 13, 2017. The first of four brothers, he was born April 15, 1928 in Milwaukee to Constantine and Gertrude Heleniak. Con attended Layton School of Art and UW-Milwaukee before beginning a career in art-direction/marketing in Milwaukee advertising agencies, interrupted by his service as a sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict.

In 1953, Con married Mary Tomlinson in Wauwatosa. In 1955 they moved to Green Bay for Con’s position with Wemple Advertising. In 1972 he became director of marketing/communications at KI where he remained until his retirement. Respected in the advertising community, Con received many regional and national awards for creative work including Silver Medal Award (ADDY) for “outstanding contributions in furthering advertising industry standards.”

Conrad served many years on the Baha’i Faith Local Spiritual Assembly including terms as its chairman, and as district representative to the National Convention. He also served as adviser/designer for the National Baha’i Publishing Trust. Besides his Faith and family, Con found special satisfaction in years of service to the YMCA, as a Board of Directors member and as a long-time member of the Y’s Men Service Club.

Con appreciated the natural environment, arranging annual family canoe trips into the Canadian wilderness as well as ski trips to Canada and the Western mountains. A special project was working with the County Ag Agent on invasive species eradication. The Sagbraw bike trip was one of his “outdoor” accomplishments. Indoors, he found great enjoyment in woodworking, with many of his creations furnishing the Heleniak home and lake cabin.

His family includes wife Mary, sons Mark (Jenny) in Milwaukee, and Tod (Sharon) in Ashwaubenon; two grandsons: Joseph (Laura) and Andrew (Melody) and three great-grandchildren, Malayla, Hendrix. Lily Ann, as well as Con’s three brothers, Bob, Dan and Tom, and Mary’s brother Wes.

Memorial service: 11 am Sept. 19 at Malcore Funeral, 1530 W. Mason, Green Bay; visitation at 9:30 am.; interment at 2:30 pm in Fort Howard Cemetery, sect.G.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Maple Ridge and ASERA for their loving care during Con’s last months of struggle with progressive SMA. In lieu of other tributes, Con has requested to be remembered through contributions to YMCA Partners for Youth.