Seattle, Washington
Kenneth I. Helling Longtime 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...
Read MoreKen 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.
Kathryn Wolford
February 06, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN
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.
Rolf Svanoe
January 28, 2011 | Sioux Falls, SD
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
Jessica Johnsrud
January 25, 2011 | Portland, OR
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.
Colin Pickett
January 25, 2011 | Ellensburg, WA
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...
January 24, 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
Carol Bergen
January 23, 2011 | Davis, CA
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
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
Byron Jensen
January 23, 2011 | Indianapolis, IN