Claude W. Helmker

Finally Home! Claude W. Helmker, 84, passed from life to life everlasting Sunday morning, October 12, 2008, at Caretel Inns. He was born in Lansing, MI, on February 1, 1924. He was married to his first love, Mary Jo, for 55 years until her death in 1999. Their family included Connie (Joe) Ferrier of Stevensville, MI, Jerry (Janet) Helmker of South Lyon, MI, and Claudia (Michael) Reitsma of Lansing, MI. In addition to his children, six grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren, he is survived by his second wife, Shelia (Parkins) Helmker of Berrien Springs, her children, Kevin (Sharon) Parkins of Eau Claire and Brad (Sandy) Parkins of Atlanta, GA, her 6 grandchildren, and by a sister, Barbara (Lowell) Malliet of Bourbonaise, IL. Claude retired from Whirlpool in 1981. In his mind he continued to work and go to important meetings until the end. In his job he trained others to do what he loved best.repairing appliances and making them work again. Many in the community knew him as Mr. Fix-it. He continued in that work after retiring from Whirlpool in his own business, Hometowne Appliance Repair. First Church of God was another of his passions. He served for many years on various projects and committees. He served God by serving people. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, in his honor on Wednesday, October 15, 2008, at 7:00 P.M. Please join the family for refreshments and reminiscing after the service. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Memorials may be made to First Church of God Endowment Fund, which assists young college students, or Compassion International, which supports children worldwide, or to Friends in Faith Community Church, Eau Claire.