Bio: Helke, Charles (1854 – 19??)

Contact: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Helke, Radandt

----Source: History of Marathon County Wisconsin and Representative Citizens, by Louis Marchetti, 1913.

Helke, Charles (19 October 1854 – 19??)

CHARLES HELKE, who has been a resident of Wausau, Wis., since 1871, is one of the well known business men and substantial citizens of this city. He was born in Germany, October 19, 1854, and is a son of August and Augusta Helke, the latter of whom still survives and lives with her son, being probably the most venerable lady in Wausau, and enjoying good health, although aged ninety years. The father of our subject died March 24, 1909.  

Charles Helke was reared and educated in Germany and learned the cabinet-making trade with his father. In 1871 the whole family — father, mother, four sisters and four brothers — came to the United States and immediately settled in Wausau, Wis., where Charles Helke, with his father, began the manufacture of furniture, bar and store fixtures, also doing fine church cabinet-making. On the father's death the manufacturing end of the business was dispensed with, Mr. Helke being now a furniture dealer and also engaged in undertaking. He owns the fine business block in which his business is located and has additional real estate. While closely devoting himself to the firm founding of his own enterprise, Mr. Helke has not been unmindful of the general welfare of others and has taken an interest in and has been willing to assume responsibilities connected with public affairs. For years he was a member of the volunteer fire department and also belonged to a local body of state militia. A Republican in politics, he was elected on that ticket a member of the city council from the Third Ward, serving for several years with honesty and ability.  

Mr. Helke was married at Kilbourn City, Wis., September 23, 1884 to Miss Emma Radandt, who died August 18, 1900, survived by four children: Claire, Lillian, Mabel and Carl J. He is connected with a number of fraternal organizations. From a small beginning Mr. Helke has built up his furniture business to a large enterprise and has now the largest and most up-to-date store in the northwest doing general furniture and undertaking business.