Eldon Helmke

1944 - 2021

FORT JENNINGS — Eldon M. Helmke, 77, of Fort Jennings, died at 4:16 a.m. on Friday, June 4, 2021, at Mercy Health St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima. He was born April 15, 1944, in Lima to the late Louis Helmke and Margaret (Rower) Helmke Saul. 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 9 years, general manager of Spencerville Farmers Union for 3 years, general manager of Scott Equity for 20 years and regional manager for Land O' Lakes for 3 years. Eldon retired from Deshler Farmers Elevator after 5 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 service will begin 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Fort Jennings. Visitation will be held Monday 4 - 8 p.m. and again on Tuesday one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to 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