Howard W. Helmker

Born May 14, 1926 in Lansing, Michigan son of the late Ransom and Myrtle (Yunker) Helmker went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 10, 2011.  Howard, of Lansing, was a lifelong active member of Lansing First Church of the Nazarene.  He retired from the State of Michigan following 37 years of service and in his retirement enjoyed traveling and working in his garden. 

He will be missed dearly by his children, Marvin (Shari) Helmker of Holt and Clarinda (Richard) Mason of Eaton Rapids; his grandchildren whom he absolutely adored, Robert Mason, Stephanie Mason, Rachel (Blake) Strope, Sarah Helmker, Abigail Helmker, and Joanna Helmker; brother, Paul (June) Helmker; sister, Esther Dolman along with many nieces, nephews and other extended family members.  Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Rebecca A. Helmker in 2004. 

Funeral services will be held at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Duane Ford officiating.  Interment will follow at Maple Ridge Cemetery in Holt.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, December 15th from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and at the funeral home on Saturday for one hour prior to the service.  There will be no visitation on Friday.  The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Ingham County Medical Care Facility for the excellent care they provided Howard over the past several years.   Memorial contributions, in Howard’s memory, may be made to Lansing First Church of the Nazarene or the Ingham County Medical Care Facility.