William Richard Helmer

He is survived by his high school sweetheart, best friend and loving wife of 47 years, Gina Helmer (nee Gamaleri); he was the loving father of Kristina Ochman (fiance, Jim Bazant), Katherine (Josh) Malin, and Andrew (Gina) Helmer; wonderful grandpa to Ryan and Nathan, Justin and Sydney, and Tatum; brother to Bob (Donna) Helmer, and Joe (JoEllen) Helmer; uncle to Kelsey, Sam, Grace, Jacob, Jaycee and Michael. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Yvonne Helmer; and sister-in-law, Patricia DeCrom.

Bill had a great sense of humor and always kept his family laughing with his one-liners and quick wit. He treasured his family and was devoted to them. Bill was loyal and thoughtful, and enjoyed life with all of them. At any time of day, he could be called upon to sit with a sick grandchild or arrive at the crack of dawn to help a family member. He never complained.

He loved sports, especially watching his children and grandchildren play. His favorite teams were the Chicago Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks, IU and Notre Dame, and also his son’s AAU basketball teams back in the day, the Highland Cardinals and Northwest Indiana Alliance.

Bill enjoyed being outdoors; having hiked at the national parks in Utah and the Indiana Dunes with his wife; riding his bike in hot and humid weather; walking on the bike trail with his daughter and grandsons. When indoors, he and Gina enjoyed watching their favorite TV show, “Gunsmoke,” together. He was old-school in his thoughts and ways, and that was just one of the many traits his family loved about him.

His family’s one-in-a-million husband, dad, and grandpa will truly be missed, and his absence will be a huge void for all who loved him.

A visitation for Bill will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, from 3:00 to 8:00 pm, with a funeral service taking place at 5:00 pm at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 Cline Avenue, Crown Point, IN 46307. A graveside service will follow on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Share Foundation at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/OvvEiQ?vid=1kmezl

or Hospice of the Calumet Area at https://www.hospicecalumet.org/donate

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapelLawnFunerals.com for the Helmer family.