Kenneth Wayne Helzer, 94, of Scottsbluff, died Sunday, October 28, 2018 at the Residency Care Center in Scottsbluff. At his request, cremation has taken place, and there will be no visitation. His Memorial Service will be held at 2 PM on Friday, November 2, 2018 at The Residency with Reverend Dr. Charles Richardson officiating. Private family inurnment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery prior to the service. Memorials may be given to Buckboard Therapeutic Riding Academy or The Residency Care Center Scholarship Fund. Online condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com
Kenneth was born August 1, 1924 at Mitchell Valley to Herman G. and Etta (Eckhardt) Helzer. He graduated from Gering High School with the Class of 1943. Kenneth was Confirmed at Emmanuel Congregational Church. He was united in marriage to Gladyce Neeley on December 27, 1946 at Gering. The couple farmed and fed cattle for over 40 years in Gering Valley before retiring and moving to Scottsbluff in 1989 and to The Residency in 1999.
Kenneth was active in the community. He was a charter member and president of the Gering Jaycees; a life time member of the Elks Lodge No. 1367 serving as Exalted Ruler in 1975-1976, Secretary for 18 years, District Deputy 1981-1982, and Elk of the Year 1985-1986. He served on the Panhandle Coop Board of Directors for 25 years, 9 years as Chairman; Gering Valley Rural Fire Board member for 25 years; Roosevelt Public Power Board of Directors; and Board member of The Residency for 3 years. He enjoyed golfing, supporting Husker sports, having coffee and playing pitch with his farmer friends, and had a passion for opera music.
Kenneth is survived by his wife of 71 years, Gladyce of Scottsbluff; daughters and sons-in-law Jan and Dennis Singer of Ft. Collins, CO and Lee and Ray Vrtiska of Omaha; granddaughters Stephanie Schuller and Jennifer (Justin) Johnson both of Ft. Collins, CO and Kristi Vrtiska and Katelyn (Tyler) Byrd both of Omaha; and great-grandson Tyler Schuller of Ft. Collins, CO; nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents, brothers Don and Richard Helzer, and son-in-law Steve Schuller.
