Gerald Helmer

HARDTNER- Gerald Ray Helmer passed away Saturday, September 28, 2013 at the Pratt Regional Medical Center. Gerald was born September 17, 1942 in the Lyons Hospital to Francis L. Helmer and Winona (Belden) Helmer. He attended grade school at Sunny Four Country School and graduated from Lyons High School in 1960. Gerald was raised on the family dairy farm, north of Lyons and started working in the fields when he was young enough that his brother Lyle pushed the pedals and he steered. He was active in 4-H and played in an accordion band. Gerald loved music and eventually taught accordion in a music store in Great Bend. Gerald married Joy (Davis) Helmer on May 26, 1973, together they had two children; Jeff Helmer and Jeremy Helmer. They moved to Hardtner in 1983 and Gerald went to work for Clark’s service for the next 28 years. He was a devoted husband and father. He was a very quiet man but after you got to know him he was warm and caring. His smile spoke volumes. His hobbies were woodworking, fishing and cooking..

He is survived by his wife, Joy of the home; sons Jeff Helmer of Wichita, Kansas, and Jeremy and wife, Jill; two grandsons, Skylar and Gunner and one granddaughter, Ava all of Enid, Oklahoma; brother, Lyle Helmer; sisters, Wanda Arriola and Maureen Bellizio both of Lyons, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents Francis and Winona Belden Helmer ; one sister, JaNell MacLaren..

Memorial service will be Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at the Hardtner United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to the Hardtner Community Center or Hardtner Public Library..

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