George Willis Helling

Devoted Christian and loving husband, George Willis Helling, age 93 of San Diego, was called home by our Lord Jesus Christ on Monday evening, December 30, 2013 at the St. Paul’s Health Care Center, San Diego. George suffered a massive stroke in mid December and his final days were spent surrounded by family and friends. He was born August 14, 1920 to the late George and Charlotte Helling in Cleveland, Ohio. The Helling family moved to California in 1935 and George had resided in San Diego for the last 78 years.

George Willis Helling graduated from Herbert Hoover High School, class of 1938. He attended San Diego State Teachers College until 1942 when he enlisted in the Army Air Force and served during WWII as an instructor at the Eastern Technical Training Center at Truax Field in Madison, WI and left the service in 1946 after being assigned to the 731st AAF. BU. McClennan Field, CA. He worked in the finance and billing profession until he retired from the County of San Diego, Revenue & Recovery in 1978.

He was a proud member of Masonic Fraternity Lodge, East San Diego, Kearny-Mesa California Lodge #1852 Loyal Order of Moose-San Diego, San Diego Elks Lodge #168, National Association of Credit Men-San Diego, and San Diego Homecraft Club.

He will always be remembered for his faithful dedication, service, and leadership to his church. George and Catherine were married at First Lutheran Church, San Diego in 1943 and were members when he was called back to his creator.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Catherine (Kay); his nieces and nephews Mona Cannell , Beavercreek, OH; Nancy (Bernard) Goodrich, Eastlake, OH; Betty (James) Mog, Chagrin Falls, OH; Shirley Helling, Scottsdale, AZ; Diane Billings, Reedsport, OR; Cheryl Tomasi, Deborah (Gary) Graham, David (Tammy) Lomen, and Paula Lomen all of Lima, OH; Richard (Sue Fine) Atha, Grants Pass, OR; Patricia Moore, Daytona Beach, FL; Rebecca (MSGT Thomas) Lewis, Charleston AFB, SC. Also surviving is his sister-in-law; Shirley Atha, Daytona Beach, FL and several cherished great and great-great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his nephew Gilbert Helling, nephew-in-laws Leonard Cannell, Edward Billings, Robert Tomasi and three brothers; Eugene (Evelyn) Helling, Paul (Ruby) Helling, and Gilbert (Eleanor)Helling. Also preceding him in death are his sister-in-law Mary (Earl) Lomen and brother-in-law James Richard Atha.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to The Salvation Army Attn: Debbie Rossi 2320 5th Ave. San Diego, CA 92101.

A Memorial Service will be held in his honor on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church 1420 3rd Avenue downtown San Diego.