Jerry William Helmke
Jerry William Helmke, 88, died May 23, 2022, at Sunny View Care Center in Ankeny. Jerry was born in Renwick and graduated from Renwick High School in 1952. He worked at Gilmer Creamery in Eagle Grove, Renwick Chevrolet and Renwick Creamery. The Helmke farm was the first to receive electricity in Wright County.
In 1957, Jerry married Mardelle Joyce Larson. They lived in Renwick until they moved to Humboldt in 1959, where they raised five children. He started working for REC in 1957 and worked there until he retired in April 1996 as a foreman.
Jerry is survived by his children, Angela (Jeff) Paulson, Shelly (Randy) Hatch, Mitchell Helmke, Carmala (John) Pitt, and Jennifer (Tim) Kapsch; 13 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; sister Jancie Basler; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife; an infant son; two infant grandchildren; a brother; and three sisters.
Per Jerry’s, wishes his body has been cremated. A private family service will be held at a later date.
In 1957, Jerry married Mardelle Joyce Larson. They lived in Renwick until they moved to Humboldt in 1959, where they raised five children. He started working for REC in 1957 and worked there until he retired in April 1996 as a foreman.
Jerry is survived by his children, Angela (Jeff) Paulson, Shelly (Randy) Hatch, Mitchell Helmke, Carmala (John) Pitt, and Jennifer (Tim) Kapsch; 13 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; sister Jancie Basler; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife; an infant son; two infant grandchildren; a brother; and three sisters.
Per Jerry’s, wishes his body has been cremated. A private family service will be held at a later date.