Donald H. Helmig

Donald Helmig

Officially retired. Donald Helmig passed away on October 20, 2025 at the age of 88.

Don left behind a legacy of kindness, generosity and mentorship. His friends and family will truly miss him. His daughters have so appreciated all the story telling and history shared in the recent weeks before his passing. Don built lifelong friendships through his family, businesses, networking and of utmost importance to him was his relationship with the Medinah Shriners and the wonderful things he and his friends accomplished for the Shriners Hospitals and fundraising. Don was Past Commander in Chief of the Motor Corp (his children thought this was the coolest part of Dad in their younger years.), Past President of DuPage Shrine Club along with many other Shriners clubs where he received many recognition awards throughout his service as a Shriner and Freemason. He was very proud to become a 33 rd degree Mason through Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Don also joined the CIACO charitable organization and was honored to be Man of the Year several years ago. We laughed because…we aren’t Italian, Dad. That’s who Don was, charitable.

Around the age of 19 or 20, Don ventured into the food business with pizza on wheels. A truck outfitted with an oven and refrigeration and friend at a gas station. When people called into the station to order a pizza, they contacted Don via two way radio with an order. He pulled over to create and bake the pizza…and pizza food truck was born. 

 In 1959 his Aunt Pauline loaned him $5,000 for the greasy spoon Gossage Grills. They started at 1 location, Diversey and Pulaski in Chicago and eventually grew that to 10 locations in Chicago and the suburbs. The 24/7 business made enough money to start paying his aunt back and a bit for Don and Jerry (his partner in the Grills) In 1970, he expanded into catering jobs. And boy, did Don have the stories! In 1976, after being approached by a friend to cater for his daughter’s wedding, Don started his banquet hall business that eventually became a contract with what was then known as Glendale Golf Club. Without hesitation, and long on his own in business, Don sold off the Grills and became the top catering business around town. He stayed with Glendale GC and when that was purchased by Hamilton Partners, Gossage, Inc. became Glendale Catering. Through the years the catering business catered for many other golf clubs, lodges and services organizations. Knights of Columbus, VFW’s, American Legions and Scottish Rite to name a few. Or course, with Don’s association with the Shriner’s, he was the go to guy for events and what a fun (read challenging) building in downtown that was to cater for.

As the catering business grew and yet another sale of the golf course happened, Catering with Elegance was born. In 1996, the Village of Bloomingdale decided to purchase the golf course. Then Don smartly decided, since the two went hand in hand, he would create a golf course mgmt. company and Golf Plus, Inc. came into play.

Around 2005 the Medinah Shriners built their new building for their offices and unit rooms to meet and created a large banquet hall for weddings and events. Don entered into an agreement to be the exclusive caterer. Don was instrumental in helping to create and design the event spaces for Bloomingdale Golf Club, Scottish Rite and Medinah’s new location in the suburbs. Don remained President of both companies until his death.

Donald Helmig, born June 2, 1937, in Chicago, IL., sadly passed away October 20, 2025. Don is survived by his daughters Kathy Burns (late, John Burns) and Sharon Hedquist(David Hedquist) and son Jeff Helmig. His grandchildren Heather Kesteleyn (Nate) Noah Burns, Adler Burns and great grandchildren Corynn, Cheyann, Chylnn and Calynnda. Don is a fond uncle to the Strzewski boys, Tom, Ray, Ralph and Paul and Cheryl Mexin. His beloved cousins Dean, Terry and Kathy. Don was preceded in death by his parents Ralph Helmig and Catherine (Kitty) Helmig. Also preceded by his wife Gail (Stroder) and sister Roberta Grimston and niece Paulette Strzewski. His many close friends and loving family hark back to Don’s kindheartedness, love of family and generosity to many. They remember his daring youth and entrepreneurial spirit that held no bounds. Don’s love and support touched many lives.     He will be missed greatly.