Richard "Buster" Helley

Richard “Buster” Helley, age 87, passed away at home on Saturday, October 10, 2026. He was born on November 26, 1938, in Elcho, Wisconsin, to Glen and Lucille (Elliott) Helley.

Buster proudly served in the United States Navy for three years. On September 6, 1975, he married Esther (Hirst) Helley, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage.

Throughout his working years, Buster worked in construction, auto body repair, and spent 20 years with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections in Green Bay and Portage before retiring. Wanting to stay active during retirement, he continued working several part-time jobs, including positions at The Reedsburg Bank, the Presbyterian Church, and Fedderly Chrysler.

Buster is survived by his wife of 51 years, Esther; his children, Kirsten (John) Ekberg, Bradley (Irene) Helley, Ryan Helley, Ashley Siegler, and Amy (Mike) Wall; and his grandchildren, Rachel, Caitlyn, Daniel (Abby), and Matthew Ekberg; Jonah, Emily, and Eleanor Helley; Abigail and Maxwell Siegler; and Kameron and Jordan Wall.

He is also survived by his sister, Deb (AJ) Helley; his brother, Don Helley; his sister-in-law, Lillian Helley; and his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Don and Marge Hirst, Jody Hirst, Milton and Pam Hirst, and Kathy and Bill Moe. He is further survived by several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law; his sister, Patricia Hindes; his brother, Glen Helley; and his brother-in-law, David Hirst.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2026, at Baraboo Nazarene Church, 1800 Crawford Street, Baraboo, Wisconsin. The family will receive guests from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the service at 12:30 p.m. A luncheon will follow the service.

The family extends its sincere gratitude to BrightStar, Village Caregivers, and Agrace Hospice for the kind and compassionate care they provided to Buster.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.