Jack Helmer
Jack Helmer, the youngest child of Jacob and Hanna (Eberhardt) Helmer, was born Dec. 31, 1927, in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.
In November of 1929, his family immigrated to the United States and settled in Marion.
He attended school in Marion and at the age of 14, he began working for J.L. Scott at Marion Marble and Granite Works. One day while at work a marker fell on his right foot, breaking many bones and causing a lot of pain.
At the age of 17, Jack joined the U.S. Navy, serving two years aboard various ships.
After returning to Marion in 1949, he operated his own body shop and eventually began working for Cook Motor Company, doing body work and painting.
In 1951, during the Marion Flood, he met a young lady who needed some work done on her car and they began dating.
On March 13, 1952, he and Sylvia Winter were united in marriage at the EUB parsonage in Marion. In 2002, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Eastmoor United Methodist Church with many friends and family, and were able to have more than five more years together.
Also in 1952, Jack and his brother-in-law, Walt Keazer, purchased the Marion Marble and Granite Works and he continued to run the business until his retirement in 1987.
When health allowed, Jack and Sylvia enjoyed traveling and taking various bus tours. They especially enjoyed their frequent trips to Blackwell, Okla., where they would meet his brother Harry and wife Judy and brother Dan and wife Frances for a time of visiting and ice cream.
He also loved to work in his workshop making gifts in wood for his family and friends. The grandchildren were lavished with doll furniture and many others were given his handiwork.
He was encouraged to sell his items at Art in the Park. After receiving many orders, he stated that he would rather make them and give them away. Selling them seemed too much like a job.
Jack was a member of Eastmoor United Methodist Church, serving in various jobs throughout the past 50 years. He also was a member of the VFW.
Jack was a strong man in many ways, but also very fragile. He suffered a heart attack causing his retirement, and in the past 10 years of his life went through radiation for prostate cancer, began kidney dialysis in 2003, and then suffered a stroke and recently had problems with circulation in his legs, causing terrible pain and trouble walking.
He looked forward to going to coffee at 2 p.m. with his friends. He never gave up, but made it clear that he was ready to be with the Lord anytime. On Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007, at 2:30 a.m., the Lord took him Home.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, two-year-old twin brother and sister, Ruben and Helen, sister, Rachel Keazer and brothers, Ben and Harry.
He is survived by his wife, Sylvia of 55 years; daughter, Shirley Ann and husband Gordon Groening of Marion; son, Kendall Jay and wife Melinda of Wichita; granddaughters, Kristin and husband Matt Brenzikofer of Clay Center, Jenny and husband Aaron Acree of Concordia; Leslie Helmer of Dallas, Texas; and Lauren Helmer of Waco, Texas; great-grandchildren, Brennen and Hanna Acree of Concordia; brother, Dan of Tulsa, Okla.; sister-in-law, Mrs. Ben Helmer of Pawhuska, Okla.; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.
Jack was a loving and generous husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon at Eastmoor United Methodist Church with Pastor Mike Eurit officiating.
Anita Brookens was organist. Dot Richmond was vocalist.
Special music included "In The Garden." Congregational hymns were "God Will Take Care Of You," and "To God Be The Glory."
Casket bearers were Alvin Winter, Steve Kill, Gene Winkler, Gary Carlson, Eugene Christensen, and Ed Siebert.
Honorary casket bearers were Matt Brenzikofer, Aaron Acree, Brennen Acree, Bill Janzen, Fred Helmer, and Dick Bredemeier.
Burial was in Marion Cemetery with military honors by the U.S. Navy.
A memorial fund has been established with Eastmoor United Methodist Church.
— paid obituary
