William Craig Hellmers, 83, of Pekin, Ill., died on Monday, Dec. 20, 2010. He was the father of Rosilea “Rosie” (Thomas) Gueldner of Port Aransas.

Hellmers was born on March 9, 1927 in Pekin to Rudolph and Esther Hannah (Davidson) Hellmers.

He was a World War II Marine Corps veteran and attained the rank of Private First Class.

He was a 1945 graduate of Pekin Community High School and a 1949 graduated of Bradley University in Peoria, Ill., with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

He was a longtime art teacher at Edison Junior High School for Pekin Public Schools District 108.

Hellmers was an artist, carver and teacher and had a studio near Spring Lake State Conservation Area and the Chautauqua National Refuge where he spent much of his time in the field. He also raised upland game birds and waterfowl for close-up study. His work, featuring wildlife and the American West, is in galleries and private collections in the U.S., Canada and Australia. Many of his carvings, as well as those of his students, have won awards in major international competitions. He also worked as a commercial artist.

He was a Lutheran, a life member of the National Rifle Association and a longtime Eagle Scout leader.

Surviving him in besides his daughter are three grandchildren, Hayley Gueldner, Joshua Gueldner and Zachary Gueldner, all of Port Aransas; seven great-grandchildren, Banya, Ryley, Clinton, Michael, Malachi, Makayla and Mackenzie; and one sister, A. Gertrude “Trudy” Hellmers of Pekin.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Lawrence John Hellmers.

His funeral was held Monday, Dec. 27, in Pekin, with military rites accorded by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, 7020 AC Skinner Parkway, Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL 32256.