John Helmer
John V. Helmer, 84, died Oct. 23, 2003, at Newton Medical Center, Newton.
Born April 30, 1919, in Calgary Alberta, Canada, he was the son of David Sr. and Anna (Eberhardt) Helmer.
In 1929 he immigrated to the United States and became a U.S. citizen in 1948.
John was a 1940 graduate of Marion High School.
On Jan. 1, 1946, he married Dorothy Haas in Marion. They lived on a farm near Pilsen where John farmed and raised turkeys.
The couple moved to Marion and John worked at the Marion IGA store for 13 years.
He was an active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, serving as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, choir member, usher, and trustee.
John moved his family to Newton in 1965, where he retired from Hehr International Maintenance Department. He joined Meridian Baptist Church, Newton, where he was an active member.
An avid fisherman, he also enjoyed several hobbies including remodeling two houses, woodworking projects, playing guitar, and singing.
He was preceded in death by his son, Steven Duane Helmer.
Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; four daughters, Donna Robertson of Kingsport, Tenn., Verna Rowe of Newton; Roxann Colborn of Clifton; and Doreen Hartzler of Wichita; four brothers, George Helmer of Newton and Dave, Fred, and Ezra Helmer, all of Marion; a sister, Ann Boese of Marion; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Monday morning at Meridian Baptist Church with the Rev. Jerroll Martens and the Rev. Scott Kliewer officiating.
Graveside services were held Monday afternoon at Marion Cemetery.
Memorial funds have been established with Meridian Baptist Church or Gideon Bible Society.
