Charles Henry Helmink (90) of Montrose

Charles Henry Helmink, age 90, of Montrose, Illinois, passed away at 2:22 PM Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at his home.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at St Joseph Catholic Church in Island Grove, Illinois, with Fr Frank Folino, OFM, celebrating mass. Burial will be in the St Joseph Cemetery, with military rites by the Jasper Post #20 American Legion. Visitation will be held 5:00 to 7:00 PM Tuesday, April 25, 2023, at the church and from 10:00 to 10:30 AM Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at the parish hall. In loving memory of Charlie, memorials may be made to the Jasper County Cancer Support Fund, PO Box 333, Newton, Illinois 62448.  Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Dieterich, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left by clicking here.

Charles Henry, better known as “Charlie” was born on April 26, 1932, on the family farm, south east of Montrose, in Jasper County, Illinois, the son of William B. and Lucy Josephine (Walk) Helmink. He married Evelyn Rose Griffith on November 3, 1956, at St Joseph Catholic Church in Island Grove, Illinois, and she preceded him in death on March 2, 2019. Charlie graduated from Newton Community High, with the Class of 1950. After high school he served his country in the United States Navy. Charlie was a lifelong farmer and a faithful member of St Isidore the Farmer Parish – St Joseph Catholic Church. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus, Jasper Post #20 American Legion, and the St Joseph men’s sodality. Charlie enjoyed playing cards, listening to country music and was an avid St Louis Cardinals fan. He always attended his children and grandchildren’s school and sporting events.

Charlie is survived by: Children – Sharon Taylor of Montrose, Illinois; Nancy (Troy) Smith of Newton, Illinois; Carolyn Helmink of Gila, Illinois; and David Helmink of Montrose, Illinois; Daughter-in-law – Jo Ellen Helmink of Montrose, Illinois; Grandchildren – Jeremy Taylor, Sarah Taylor, Chuck (Agnes) Taylor, Kayla Taylor (fiancé Sam Gusfield), Jonathan (Becky) Helmink, Deb (Rob) Connell, Theresa (Joe) Fehrenbacher, Angela Helmink, Beth (Dustin) Parde, Kathryn Helmink, and Brandon Smith (Fiancé Heather Wilson); Great Grandchildren – Christian Parde, Abby Parde, Brittany Helmink, Macy Helmink, Clara Fehrenbacher, Baby Fehrenbacher (due summer 2023), and Theodore Connell; Sisters-in-law – Reba Griffith of Newton, Illinois; Ruth Wright of Dieterich, Illinois; and Sharon Rae Helmink of Montrose, Illinois.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son Ronald Helmink, brother Donald Helmink, and brothers-in-law Earl Griffith and Cedric Wright.