A sudden tragedy struck Barron County on April 20, 2025, when 32‑year‑old Matthew R. Hellmann of Menomonie lost his life in a fatal accident in the Town of Dallas, leaving family, friends, and neighbors reeling with grief. Matthew—known for his infectious smile, hardworking spirit, and love of the outdoors—was remembered at memorial services held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boyceville, and his passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences across Menomonie and beyond. In the days since, community members have shared stories of Matthew’s generosity, and the Barron County Sheriff’s Office and local pastors have led efforts to support his loved ones and honor his legacy.
The Accident and Immediate Aftermath
Matthew R. Hellmann, age 32, tragically passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025, when his vehicle was involved in a single‑vehicle crash in the Township of Dallas, Barron County . First responders pronounced him dead at the scene; authorities later confirmed the crash occurred on a rural stretch north of the City of Barron, though exact details of road conditions remain under investigation .His unexpected death sent shockwaves through Menomonie, where neighbors recalled seeing Matthew frequently helping others with yard work or running errands for elderly residents.
A Life of Service and Spirit
Born February 23, 1993, Matthew was raised in Menomonie by parents Thomas and Marlene Hellmann and grew up alongside four brothers on the family farm . An alumnus of Menomonie High School, he went on to work as a mechanic at Northland Auto in Eau Claire, where coworkers remember his dedication to fixing cars and brightening long shifts with his good humor .Outside work, Matthew was an avid outdoorsman—spending weekends fishing on Red Cedar Lake, hiking the wooded trails around Lake Menomin, and leading Boy Scout outings as an assistant troop leader.
Community Grief and Remembrance
The news of Matthew’s passing prompted social‑media tributes under the hashtag #RememberHellmann, with friends posting photos of shared camping trips and family members posting letters of thanks for the outpouring of support . Trinity Lutheran Church in Boyceville hosted a public viewing on April 27, where many left hand‑written notes and photographs in Matthew’s memory .At the memorial service on April 28, Pastor Sarah Klein spoke of Matthew’s “unyielding kindness” and commitment to community, calling him “a true neighbor in every sense.
Funeral Arrangements and Legacy Initiatives
A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boyceville, followed by interment at Forest Hill Cemetery in Menomonie . In lieu of flowers, the Hellmann family requested donations to the Barron County 4H Foundation—an organization Matthew supported through camp scholarships for local youth .City and county officials, including Barron County Sheriff James Peterson, have announced plans to install a roadside memorial at the site of the crash and to hold an annual “Hellmann Hike”—a community trail‑cleaning event in Matthew’s honor.
Barron County and Menomonie: A Community in Mourning
Barron County, in northwestern Wisconsin, is a largely rural area of roughly 46,000 residents, with agriculture and small‑town industry forming its economic backbone . Menomonie—the county seat of neighboring Dunn County, but home to Matthew’s closest friends and many family members—is known for its tight‑knit neighborhoods, historic downtown, and the University of Wisconsin–Stout campus, which Matthew often visited during community events . In both counties, civic leaders have emphasized the importance of road‑safety improvements following Matthew’s accident, calling for better signage and rural lighting to prevent future tragedies.
Sources Consulted
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Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service: Obituary details for Matthew R. Hellmann
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Garrett Funeral Chapels (News): “Matthew R. Hellman, Beloved Son and Friend, Dies Tragically in Barron County Accident
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Barron County, Wisconsin — Wikipedia: Demographic and geographic context
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Menomonie, Wisconsin — Wikipedia: Community and regional background
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Legacy.com: Listing of local obituaries including Matthew R. Hellmann