Ernest P. Helminiak, age 87, of Stevens Point, died Sunday February 15, 2015, at the Portage County Health Care Center.

Ernest was born on August 13, 1927, in the Town of Dewey. He was the son of late Alois and Verna (Biesik) Helminiak. He attended schools in the Town of Hull and Wausau.

Ernest entered the United States Navy on October 13, 1945, in Great Lakes Illinois. He served as a Seaman Second Class during WWII and was honorably discharged on May 8, 1946, in Jacksonville Florida.

His marriage to Irene Walkush took place on September 4, 1948, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. After the marriage the couple settled in Stevens Point. His wife, Irene, died on July 12, 1999.

Ernest was employed as a Plumber for 40 years. He worked for Ward Leary, Soik Plumbing and retired from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point on September 6, 1988. Ernest was a 67 year member of the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada, UA Local 434. Ernest was past president of the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union, Local 434.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 6, Disabled American Veterans, Knights of Columbus Council #1170, Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #1572, Catholic Order of Foresters and St. Joseph Holy Name Society.

He was an active member of St. Joseph Parish where he served as an usher and worked on many picnics and projects. Ernest was also very active in the various organizations he belonged to and volunteered for many of their activities.

Survivors include his daughter, Judith Ann (Albert) Zdroik of Stevens Point. Grandchildren, Eric (Stacie) Zdroik, and their children Peyton & Marin. Timothy (Stacy) Zdroik and their children Garret & Grayden. Brian Zdroik. Ann (Kristopher) Kitowski and their son Emmett. Also survived by his sister, Patricia Garsomke. Sister-in-law, Regina Helminiak. Brother-in-law, Carl Buetow and nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, Ernest was preceded in death by his brothers, Raymond, Clarence, Chester, Edward and Norbert, sister, Irene and great-grandson, Gage Thomas Zdroik.

The family wishes to thank all the staff at the Portage County Health Care Center for their excellent care and compassion for Ernest.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday February 19, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Rev. Jerzy Rebacz officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Parish Cemetery. Visitation on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at the church. Full military honors will follow the funeral mass at the church. Pisarski Funeral Homes is honored to serve the family. For online condolences please visit pisarskifuneralhome.com