Helmut Sawall

Helmut Sawall went into the arms of His loving Savior on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at the age of 91.

He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, Edelgard (nee Fuhrmann) of 64 years, and children, Martin (Jeannine) Sawall, Gerhard (Laurie) Sawall, Heidi (Scott) Peters and Angela (Steve) Ashcroft. He was a proud Opi to 15 grandchildren: Brandon (Lauren), Katrina (Ben), David (Sarah), Peter (Megan), Christopher (Wanqi), Brittney (Niall), Michael, Daniel (Alana), Anatalia (David), Nathan, Elliana (Cade), Trevor, Matthew, Tatiana and Joshua. He also delighted in his great-grandchildren: Oscar, Georgia, Jean, Fred and Noah.

He was joyfully reunited in heaven with his parents Reinhold and Elsa (nee Kautz) Sawall, and family: Lilli (Fred) Schottler, Waldemar (Bertha), Reinhard (Adele), Harvey, Ewald, Aliza and Helga Sawall and Wally Schmidt. He is survived by his sister Alma Schmidt and sisters-in-law Eva Sawall and Ingrid Treichel.

Born in Nedbajewka, Ukraine, on May 19, 1932, he immigrated to the United States with his family in 1952. Helmut was an adventurer and was always eager to explore. His love for travel took him to countless destinations around the globe, where he experienced different cultures and created lifelong memories with his family. While at home, Helmut was a dedicated businessman who founded and successfully ran Sawall Masonry and Construction, which later evolved into property management. His entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with his unwavering determination and dependence on Christ were the keys to Helmut’s success.

Though he was a successful businessman, Helmut will be remembered most for his steadfast love and devotion to his family. As a husband, he loved and cherished his wife and enjoyed spending every day with her. As a dedicated brother, he worked tirelessly to bring his siblings to America from around the globe. As a proud father, he was a constant source of guidance and inspiration to his children–modeling integrity, hard work, and faith.

Above all else, Helmut trusted the Lord and recognized the blessings He provided. His faithful devotion to Jesus was the foundation he built his life upon. Helmut gave thanks for all he had been blessed with and prayed for each of his children and grandchildren every day. Helmut’s devotion to Jesus was an example to all of us. We are confident he is rejoicing in heaven and already sharing stories about his family, “or something like it”.

A celebration of Helmut’s life will be held on April 20, 2024 at Ridgewood Church, 2720 North Lilly Road, Brookfield, Wisconsin. Visitation 9:00 AM – 10:45 AM, with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ridgewood Church Missions Fund.

A livestream can be viewed at RidgewoodChurch.org/funeral

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Helmut Sawall, please visit our Tribute Store.