Erwin Helmer
Erwin Helmer

Obituary of Erwin Helmer

Born 12/10/1916 in Williams, MN passed away 7/28/2006 in Tacoma, WA. Erwin is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Claudia; daughter, Karen (Dan) Kuchan; son-in-law, George Van Bodegraven; 2 sons, Ralph (Susan) Helmer, Archie (Nolan) Helmer; several grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by daughter Cheryl Van Bodegraven in 2005. Viewing 6-8 Wednesday August 2, 2006 at Edwards Memorial Center 3005 Bridgeport Way W., University Place, WA 98466. Private family service at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Franciscan Hospice, 2901 Bridgeport Way W., University Place, WA 98466. Erwin was born in Williams, Minnesota on December 10, 1916, the son of Augusta M. (Stewart) Helmer and Clarence Helmer. He lived with his family in Minnesota until he was six years old, when they moved to Spokane, Washington. He passed from this life to eternal life with the Savior on July 28, 2006. He resided in Spokane until 1945, when he met the love of his life, Claudia and they were married on April 7, 1945. They then moved to Tacoma, WA when his employer, Continental Baking Company transferred him to the area. He again was transferred to the Seattle bakery in 1964, where he retired in 1982 after 40 years of service. He was a member of the International Union of Engineers and the chief Engineer for most of his career. Erwin was a very quiet and “reserved” man, content to be a part of conversations and occasions as an observer and listener rather than the focus of attention. Erwin had a wonderful sense of humor; a gift he passed on to his family and shared with those around him. He delighted in making others laugh or smile. He was curious about how anything was made, or how it “worked” and was accomplished at repairing virtually anything. Erwin had a very gentle nature, yet a remarkable strength and determination in all situations he encountered in his life. He was very honest, hard working and fair, reminding others that there are always “two sides” to every situation. Though not highly formally educated, he was self-taught and his natural abilities to approach any problem with common sense and great fortitude served him well and he provided a good life for himself and his family. Erwin enjoyed music of all kinds and in spite of the loss of three fingers, began music lessons to learn to play the electric organ in his retirement. As his health deteriorated, music became an even greater source of peace and comfort to him. Erwin loved to golf and although he was not able to enjoy his passion for a number of years, his last hope aside from being reunited with his loved ones in heaven, was that there would be some great courses to play when he arrived. Health problems in one form or another plagued most of Erwin’s adult life though he rarely complained. His determination and humor served him well during these times and he overcame many of his infirmities by his zeal to forge ahead. Erwin had one brother, Archie Helmer (deceased) one sister Elaine Haven (deceased) and was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved daughter Cheryl Ann on July 29, 2005. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Claudia daughter, Karen (Dan) Kuchan; sons Ralph Helmer and family and Archie R. Helmer and family; son-in-law, George VanBodegraven, granddaughter Cynthia (Russ) Osiecki, grandsons, Scott Teitge, Brian (Becky) VanBodegraven, great grandson, Tyler VanBodegraven. He will be deeply missed. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008.
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