Dick Eugene Helmke

Dick Eugene Helmke,88, celebrated Christmas with his Savior in heaven on December 25, 2024. Dick loved, trusted, and followed Jesus Christ who gave His life for him and rose again to give him the victory over death which he now is experiencing in heaven. He was born on February 21, 1936, in Woodburn, Indiana, a son of the late Henry F. and Ida (Eggers) Helmke.

He was baptized March 8, 1936, and confirmed on April 2, 1950, at Zion Lutheran Church. His confirmation verse was Psalm 27:4. Dick attended Zion Lutheran Grade School and Woodburn High School. Upon graduating high school, he served in the United States Army Corps of Engineers. He was a farmer and especially enjoyed growing tomatoes commercially for Stokely and in his garden in retirement. Dick was also a meat cutter at Hoemig Market and Tim Didier Meats.

He is survived by his wife, Lois (Spencer) Helmke of 61 years. They were married on August 11, 1963. Their wedding verse was “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15), and God blessed their marriage with a son, Matthew K. Helmke; daughter, Annette (Rev. James) Keller; grandchildren, Gwendolyn (Clinton) Bienz, Peter (Josephana) Keller, Felicia (August) Say, Parker (Katelyn) Keller, MaryJane (Moe) Sheh, Glory Keller, Jessica Keller, Elizabeth Keller, Anna Keller, and Timothy (Lily) Christian; and great-grandchildren, Elijah and RosaJoy Bienz, Adena Keller, Augustine Say, Zedekiah Keller, and Zipporah and Naomi Sheh. God also blessed Dick with many nephews and nieces, grand-nephews and grand-nieces.

He was also preceded in death by brothers, Willard, Eilert (Ike), Hubert (Hub), and Roland (Punk) Helmke; and sisters, Eleanor Werling and Elaine Bremer.

Dick served on the Board of Trustees of Zion Lutheran Church, Woodburn Lutheran School Board, Board of Elders of Concordia Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, and Board of Elders of New Life Lutheran Church. He also was a Sunday school teacher at New Life Lutheran Church. Dick was a member of the Gideons International (Allen County East Camp). One of his greatest loves was being “Grandpa” (Apo) to many in the Burmese community as he took them to dentist and doctor appointments, English classes, Bible studies, Vacation Bible School, and Day Camp. Many of these were welcomed at his big table for Saturday night suppers.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Christ Lutheran Church, 4412 Park St, Woodburn, IN 46797 with visitation one hour prior. Burial to follow the service at Christ Lutheran Cemetery. The family requests no flowers. The greatest tribute is to remember how Jesus Christ worked in Dick’s life to serve others. Memorials can be made to New Life Lutheran Church, Lutheran Agency for Missions to Burmese (LAMB), Children of Liberia or Gideons International.

The family would like to thank the staff of Golden Years Homestead, Inc. for their loving care of Dick.