Henry A. Helmerichs

Henry Andrew Helmerichs, 86, of Summerfield, Kansas, passed away Friday, April 27, 2018.  Henry was the son of George & Hilsa (Evers) Helmerichs, born on June 7, 1931, in Haxtun, Colorado.  Henry was baptized on July 19, 1931 at Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel Church in Haxtun, CO and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, State Line, Wymore, Nebraska.

Henry attended school in Yuma, Colorado for six years.  In 1944 the family moved when Henry was in the seventh grade.  When the family settled in Summerfield, Henry jumped to the eighth grade.  With his father’s permission, Henry changed his Colorado Report Card from grade 7 to grade 8 and only attended the last six weeks of school as an eighth grader and passed.  He never attended high school.

Henry married Ethelene Miller on February 13, 1955 at Zion Lutheran Church, Pickrell, Nebraska.  Henry farmed all his life, and began with only a two row planter at age 14. Through the years the family raised hogs, chickens, and cattle.  Henry and his brother, Andrew (Andy Helmerichs), were owners of H & H Service in Summerfield from April 1971 to April 1998.  H & H began with only a gas station, tank wagon, and tire service, and increased to propane, seed, fertilizer and chemical application and Vermeer bailers.  

He was a communicant member of First Lutheran Church, Summerfield, and also served many years as Elder and Treasurer.  Henry and his father helped build the church where it stands today.  He was also a former member of the Lion’s Club.

Henry enjoyed talking to people; anybody and everybody, and loved to share a joke with family and friends. He may have even told you a ‘funny’ about one of his grandkids or great grandkids.  He had a positive attitude towards life.  A strong Christian faith sustained Henry his entire life and he instilled those values in his children and extended family.  Henry was known for being able to calculate numbers in his head, before you could key it in a calculator.  Sharing time with the family during holidays, was a great joy of his.

Henry and Ethelene enjoyed a few travels throughout the United States from coast to coast, to visit friends and family.  They especially loved their trip to Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. 

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Ethelene; three daughters: Lola Detweiler & husband, Wayne; Valerie Crawford & husband, John; Velda Meyer & husband, Steve; and two sons: Harlo Helmerichs & wife, Brenda; Jim Helmerichs & wife, Janet; 16 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren, & number 21 is due in July and sister, Johanna McMahon.

Henry always liked to say, “see what we started”, as a way to indicate that he was very proud of his family and their accomplishments.

He was preceded into death by his parents, George and Hilsa Helmerichs; one still born sister; brother, Andrew;  Andy’s special friend, Janice Bingham; and brother-in-law, Don McMahon; In-laws, Allen and Lena Miller.

Celebration of life services will be Thursday, May 3, 2018, at 10:30 AM, at First Lutheran Church, Summerfield, Kansas with Pastor Greg Stuckwisch officiating.  Burial will be at Summerfield Cemetery.  Viewing is at Wherry Funeral Home, Pawnee City, Nebraska, on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, 9 AM to 8 PM with family receiving from 6 PM to 8 PM.  

A memorial fund has been established to First Lutheran Church, Summerfield, KS 66541. 

Online condolences may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com.

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