Donald P. “Don” Helwig, 79, Hays, died Monday, October 5, 2020, at his home.
He was born August 26, 1941, in Webster, South Dakota, the son of Peter and Elizabeth (Block) Helwig. He was a 1959 graduate of Waubay High School in Waubay, South Dakota. Don worked in the oil field, on the railroad, and in mining in South Dakota. He loved fishing, sports, music, being outside, and was an amazing entertainer. Don was known as “Donny Cash," for his ability to sing Johnny Cash songs. If anyone needed anything, Don was always there for them. He had an ability to make people laugh and lived a very full life.
Survivors include two daughters: Ronda Releford of Surprise, AZ and Roxanna Fullerton of Elkhart, KS, three sisters: Gladys Grubbs of Scottsdale, AZ, Esther Loterbauer of South Dakota, and his twin sister Diana Gaona of Russell, six grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Jason Cambell, his parents, one brother: Clarence Helwig, and three sisters: Evelyn Hamman, Violet Maxwell, and Deloris Wieger.
Graveside services will be at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at St. Joseph Cemetery in Hays, with Father Damian Richards officiating. Memorials are suggested to the family, payable to Ronda Releford, in care of Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Condolences and memories of Don may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com