James F. Helmke

James Frederick Helmke, 79, of Defiance, Ohio passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023, at Vancrest of Holgate. He was born in Defiance, on January 31, 1944, to the late Henry and Anna (Leaders) Helmke. Jim was baptized at St. Peter Lutheran Church on February 14, 1944, by Rev. FWG Mueller and on March 30, 1958, he was confirmed also at St. Peter by the Rev. L J Rausch. He was a 1962 graduate of North Richland-Adams High School. On February 4, 1967, Jim married Norma Jean Degler at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Napoleon, Ohio. Jim was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Florida, Ohio and proudly served his country in the US Army. He was a lifelong farmer, working alongside his son-in-law, Mark and grandson, Everett. Jim also worked for S&K Tools for over 40 years. He enjoyed being with his family and they loved his homemade ice cream. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Norma; children, Todd Helmke, and Lori (Mark) Wilkerson; grandchildren, Cody (Nicole) Helmke, Austin Helmke, Everett (Mackenzie) Wilkerson, and Kacey Wilkerson; four great grandchildren; sister, Bette Weddelman; and brothers, Don (Janice) Helmke, and Marv (Vickie) Helmke. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by an infant son, Timothy; and brother-in-law, Bert Weddelman. Friends and family will be received at the Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home, Napoleon on Friday, September 22, 2023, from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Napoleon, on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at 10:30 AM with an hour of visitation prior to services. Funeral services will be livestreamed from the church website stpaulnapoleon.org. Interment will immediately follow at Riverview Memory Gardens, Defiance, with military honors presented by the Napoleon American Legion. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church, Florida, Ohio, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Napoleon, Ohio, or the James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, Ohio. A special thank you to Jim’s infusion team, Jamie, Julie and Chad, for their care and compassion. Online condolences and messages may be shared with the family at rodenbergergray.com.

Tributes

James F. Helmke

January 31, 1944 - September 18, 2023