Charles Carnes Helzer

Charles Carnes Helzer, 45, beloved son of Jeanne and the late Charles A. Helzer; beloved grandson of Viola Helzer; dear brother and brother-in-law of Philip Helzer and Kate Green; loving uncle of Jordan and Abby Helzer; and cherished cousin and nephew. Passed away suddenly Monday, December 13. Charles was a kind and caring man whose compassion touched many friends and strangers throughout his life. Charles lived most of his life in Chicago where he attended Kenwood High School and the Chicago High School for Metropolitan Studies. He began his college career at Antioch College, graduated from Hampshire College in Amherst, MA and attended Hamline College law school in St. Paul, MN. His life was always dedicated to helping others, fighting against injustices in society and creating community. Charles served as an organizer for the United Farm Workers and spoke to raise awareness of the plight of migrant farm workers. He was an organizer for the Teamsters for a Democratic Union in Detroit. In college, he worked for women's rights in Yellow Springs, OH and after graduating from college fought to help women receive fair benefits in Providence, RI. A highlight of Charles' personal life was the 10 years he spent co-managing Mifflin Community Cooperative in Madison, WI, where he served as newsletter editor and volunteer coordinator. After law school, Charles worked in management at Regent Co-op in Madison. Charles returned to Chicago recently and was working for Conscious Choice Magazine. Charles' kindness and fun-loving sense of humor will be profoundly missed by his family and dear friends. Memorial services will be held Saturday, January 8, 2:30 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Chicago, 5650 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago, IL. Contributions may be made to the Charles Helzer Memorial Fund, c/o Conscious Choice, Attn: Business Manager, 920 N. Franklin St. Suite 202, Chicago, IL 60610.