Philip Walter Hellendrung, age 97, formerly of Ridgeland, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025 at Barron Care and Rehab.

He was born on December 13, 1927 to Walter and Blanche (Buck) Hellendrung in the family farm house. Philip was their only child.

He was baptized and confirmed at the Faith United Methodist Church in rural Prairie Farm where he was a member for 76 years. He was currently a member of the United Lutheran Church in Prairie Farm. Philip attended Prairie Farm School until Christmas of his junior year, and then stayed home to help run the family farm.

Philip married Audrey Schutts on September 30, 1949 at West Akers Lutheran Church of rural Prairie Farm. They were married for 67 wonderful years until Audrey’s death in 2016.

Philip and Audrey purchased the family farm from his parents, which made Philip the third generation to own and operate it. Together, Philip and Audrey raised five children there, along with a herd of registered guernsey cattle which he was quite proud of.

Philip was a member of the Barron – Polk County Guernsey Breeders, Wisconsin Guernsey Breeders Association, and the American Guernsey Association. Philip and Audrey enjoyed attending the Wisconsin Guernsey Conventions where they met many lifelong friends.

Philip served on the Faith United Methodist Church council, the Barron County Fair Board, and the Barron County 4-H Adult Leaders Council as president for many years. He also served as a Dairy Leader for the Prairie Farm Pals 4-H Club for over 30 years.

He is survived by sons, Ronald of Ridgeland, Steven (Mary) of Barron, Thomas (Lana) of Ridgeland; son-in-law, Larry (Keli) Purintun of Almena; brother-in-law, Eugene Schutts of Barron; 12 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Darlene Purintun; son, Dennis; daughter-in-law, Kay Hellendrung; grandchildren, J.J. Sandlin, Natasha Burke and Amy Lynn Olson; great-grandson, Brody Hellendrung; and sister-in-law, Betty Gray.

A funeral service for Philip will be held on Wednesday, October 29 at 11:00 a.m. at United Lutheran Church in Prairie Farm. A visitation will start at 9:30 until the time of service at the church before the service. Interment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in the Town of Sheridan.

The family would like to thank the Barron Care and Rehab and St. Croix Hospice for the wonderful care Philip received.

Last Update: Oct 27, 2025 8:11 am CDT