Kenneth Helling Obituary

Kenneth HELLING Long-time Seattle resident Ken Helling was a wonderful father, grandfather and role model who was always willing to help those in need and bring kindness and humor to interactions. He was born March 3, 1924 in Tacoma and died January 20, 2011 in Yakima. He was the son of Knut & Ingeborg (Gjernes) Helling who emigrated from Hallingdal, Norway. He graduated from Sumner High in 1942, and served in the 103rd Evacuation Hospital in Europe during World War II as it cared for casualties across France and Germany. He graduated from the University of Washington in 1949, and was a loyal and enthusiastic Husky football fan. He was International President of the Active Club in 1959. Most of his work years were spent with L.H. Butcher Chemical and McGraw-Hill, from which he retired in 1987. He was proud of his Halling Norwegian heritage and organized the 1985, 1990 and 1995 Hallinglag stevnes at PLU in Tacoma. Ken was very active in the Lutheran church, president of three congregations in the Seattle area and president of the Metropolitan Seattle Lutheran Council. With his wife, Ruth, he was a coordinator of Lutheran World Relief activities in the Pacific Northwest for over 25 years. Ken is survived by Ruth his beloved wife of 59 years, his daughter Barbara (John) Pickett and grandchildren Colin and Elizabeth of Ellensburg; son Douglas and granddaughter Alexandra of Seattle; son Richard (Denise) and grandsons Derek and Paul of Midland, MI; Sister Irene (Gordon) Dick, brothers Ben (Mildred), Andy (Marilyn) and Ernie. He was preceded in death by brothers Melvin and Arthur. A memorial service will be held Friday, January 28 at 11 am at Queen Anne Lutheran Church. Remembrances may be made to Lutheran World Relief, www.lwr.org.

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Published by The Seattle Times on Jan. 23, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Helling

8 Entries

Kathryn Wolford

February 6, 2011

Ken lived out the Biblical call to 'love your neighbor' through countless acts of mercy and kindness. I recall with fondness visiting Ken and Ruth in their home, and seeing piles and boxes of materials for quilts and kits that would eventually travel around the world to neighbors in need. LWR was blessed by their steadfast leadership.

"Well done, good and faithful servant" of our compassionate Lord.

Rolf Svanoe

January 28, 2011

We share your grief. God's love surround you today and in the days ahead.
Rev. Rolf Svanoe, a very distant cousin with family roots also in Hallingdal Norway.

Jessica Johnsrud

January 25, 2011

I feel blessed to have known Great Uncle Ken even though I didn't see him as much in my adult life. I have many fond child hood memories of Uncle Ken and Aunt Ruth in Seattle. Uncle Ken had a wonderful smile and a gentle kindness that will not soon be forgotten. His love for Aunt Ruth was amazing to behold and very inspirational. Much love from the Johnsrud/Stasiuk Family

Colin Pickett

January 25, 2011

Ken was a great grandfather. He was an excellent model for virtuous Christian living: he lived by his faith, for his family, and for others. He took everything in stride, and was always ready for a good joke, a huskies game, or a new project.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.

January 24, 2011

Years ago Ken and Ruth were named the "Samaritans from Seattle" for their wonderful volunteer efforts on behalf of Lutheran World Relief. It's impossible to know just how many lives throughout the world were touched by Ken's and Ruth's work gathering handmade quilts and kits from congregations throughout the Pacific Northwest. Thank you, Ken and Ruth, for your endless work to end poverty, injustice and human suffering in this world. Your legacy of love will live long.

Brenda Meier Kimaro
Lutheran World Relief, Baltimore, Maryland

Carol Bergen

January 23, 2011

Uncle Ken always had a wry smile and a witty comment to share. Such a fine family man was he--painting houses, gardening, helping Ruth in the kitchen, chauffeuring relatives around--ever devoted to his children and community. We always loved visiting Uncle Ken and Aunt Ruth for their boundless hospitality.
With loving memory,
Your niece Carol Bergen

January 23, 2011

My wife and I were privileged to know Ken and Ruth first thru our association in the Hallinglag of America. We became good friends oveer the years, visiting their home and seeing first hand the great work they
did for Lutheran World Relief. Ken will long be remembered by his friends not only in the Seattle area but also in the Upper Midwest. Peter & Marilyn

Byron Jensen

January 23, 2011

Greetings from Indianapolis. Please be assured of our prayers for your family. I am the son of Oge Jensen who had our family pray for Ken while he was in Ww II. I remember him coming to house many times after the war. He was always our hero. After reading his obituary it appears he was a hero to many people--especially Norwegian Lutherans :). My sister Elaine alerted us to Ken's passing. She lives in Everett. Certainly Ken is an example of a life well lived.

Byron Jensen

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