Erik William Helffenstein of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away in Nashville on Monday, October 29, 2018; he was 45 years old.
A Buffalo, NY native, Erik was a strong father figure and family man; often described as a “Gentle Giant”. He loved woodworking, outdoor recreation, and family projects. He was authentic, transparent, proactive, and bigger than life.
Erik is survived by his wife of 13 years, Angela Buczak Helffenstein; daughter, Rachel Helffenstein; son, Sawyer Helffenstein; parents, Gary and Carolyn Helffenstein; brother, Kji (Kinsey) Helffenstein; sisters, Kiki (Mike) Jones, and Heidi (Doug) Tshudy; parents-in-law, Bob and Sue Senecal, and Tracy Buczak; grandmother, Beverly Buczak; brother-in-law Brian (Meghan) Buczak; nine nieces and nephews, and many aunts and uncles.
A Funeral Service will be held at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 535 Sneed Rd W, Franklin, TN 37069, on Friday, November 2, 2018, at 11:00.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to gofundme.com/support-erik-helffenstein039s-family .
Erik William Helffenstein
Born on October 20, 1973
Departed on October 29, 2018 and resided in Nashville, Tennessee
- Funeral Service: St Matthew Catholic Church
- Friday November 2, 2018 11:00am
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October 31, 2018 4:49 pm
So sorry Gary & Carolyn, Angela;
May the Grace of our Lord be with you and your family in this time of need and hold you all in the Palm of this hand.
Sal & Gloria Ferreri
October 31, 2018 5:32 pm
So sorry for your dear loss. May the Lord bless you and may He comfort you during this difficult time
Atkins family.
November 1, 2018 5:06 am
Dearest Angela, children and family, my
love and deepest condolences are sent
at this very tragic time. May you find the
strength and courage to guide you! Keep
Erik’s memories close to your heart to
lighten your burden.
Much love, Mrs. Plec
💐✝️💞
November 1, 2018 8:56 am
Dear Father God we ask for prayer.
Cover this family with your love and comfort of your word. We r so sad for your loss.
The Lord is our source 🙏
November 1, 2018 10:08 am
We’re so sorry to hear of your loss. May God’s grace comfort the family.
November 1, 2018 10:50 am
May the Lord bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. As a Nissan co-worker, he is truly missed.
November 1, 2018 11:34 am
We are deeply saddened to hear about this, Gary and Carolyn. May God comfort you and your family is our prayer.
November 1, 2018 5:08 pm
Angela, I don’t know you or your family but I am praying to God daily for healing during this time of unimaginable grief and loss.
November 2, 2018 7:31 am
I’m SO sorry for your loss 😞. May the peace and comfort of Jesus see you through. 💕
November 5, 2018 12:33 pm
Carolyn, Gary, Angela, and Family – In my heart and spirit, please know how sad I am about Erik. I wish I had profound words that would ease the pain in your brokenness. My earnest prayers have been with you day and night. I ask God to give you strength of the heart and peace in the mind in your untimely loss.
November 5, 2018 1:31 pm
Sincere condolences. I did not know Erik, but everything Ive read indicates he was a compassionate, selfless man. So dissimilar from the sub-human that ended his life. May Erik rest in eternal peace and may his killers swiftly be brought to justice.
November 6, 2018 2:30 pm
So very sorry for the tragic loss of Erik.
May the words found at Rev 21:4 bring a measure of comfort to all. There we learn of the cleansed earth where when those sleeping in God’s memory will be awakened and reunited with the living. It says: ‘And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”
There is also the real promise found at John 5:28,29 ‘Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, ‘
May these promises of God motivate all to embrace the truth and hope that awaits us. (visit jw.org)
Most sincerely
d mullins
November 9, 2018 4:19 pm
I had the pleasure to work with Erik in California on building an automotive Training Facility. He was a no-nonsense kind of man to work for. But was always ready for a good laugh. We had some good laughs. He and I talked a lot. He talked about his love of carpentry and of missing his family when he had to travel for work. He had a longing to be at the family place in upstate New York. He was one of the nicest men I have known and we got along instantly. I was heartbroken to hear of what happen to my friend across the country. I know his family will be ok. Because Erik’s Family and Friends will see to it.
There are no answers, no word of wisdom to make the pain go away.
Erik helped me when we worked together. I know he must have helped many more. He left this world a better place.