The Van Wert County Courthouse

Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

Eldon M. Helmke

Eldon M. Helmke, 77, of Fort Jennings, died at 4:16 a.m. Friday, June 4, 2021, at Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.  

Eldon M. Helmke

He was born April 15, 1944, in Lima, to Louis Helmke and Margaret (Rower) Helmke Saul, who both preceded him in death. On November 21, 1964, he married Dorothy Huber, and she survives in Fort Jennings.

Eldon is also survived by two sons, Rob (Lori) Helmke of Ohio City and Brent (Jennifer) Helmke of Kalida; six grandchildren, Paige Helmke, Grant Helmke, Katie Brown, Katie (Tony Brown) Marbaugh, Cammie (Shola) Ogunkayode, and Colt Marbaugh; three great-grandchildren, Andrew Brown, Breklynn Creekmore, and Dara Ogunkayode; and a sister, Ruth Oglesbee of Columbus Grove.

He was also preceded in death by two half-sisters, Willina Lisk and Wavel Weaver; a half-brother, Louis A. Helmke; and a brother-in-law, Herb Oglesbee.

Eldon spent most of his working life managing farmer owned co-ops. He worked as an assistant manager at Scott Equity for nine years, general manager of Spencerville Farmers Union for three years, was general manager of Scott Equity for 20 years, and regional manager for Land O’ Lakes for three years. Eldon retired from Deshler Farmers Elevator after five years. 

He served on the Board of Directors of Affinity Mutual Insurance for 33 years, serving the last 22 years as chairman of the Board. Eldon was a supporter of the Fort Jennings Athletic Boosters, as well as the Fort Jennings Band Boosters. 

Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 8, at Love-Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Jackson Township. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Fort Jennings.

Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Monday, June 7, and an hour prior to services Tuesday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: Fort Jennings Athletic Boosters, Fort Jennings Band Boosters, and/or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com.

POSTED: 06/05/21 at 3:41 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries