Darle and Carol Helms

Darle DeWayne Helms, age 89, of Grand Haven, passed away on Friday, June 2, 2023, at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital in Muskegon, Michigan. After 14 months of separation, Darle was reunited for eternity with his wife of 71 years, Carol Kathryn Helms. Carol passed away on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the Inn of Freedom Village in Holland, Michigan, surrounded by family.

Darle was born on September 17, 1933, in Morley, Michigan, to the late Burnell and Wilma (Richardson) Helms. Carol was born on April 6, 1936, in Morley, Michigan, to the late Dale and Leone (Coe) Louck.

After graduating from high school, Darle and Carol were married on August 20, 1952, in Angola, Indiana. Darle went on to attend trade/technical school for small engine and inboard and outboard motor repair, which led to a lifetime career. Carol enjoyed being in the kitchen, baking and making large custom wedding cakes. She was also a photography hobbyist who enjoyed taking pictures and volunteering at local preschools and church functions. Together, they founded, owned and operated Camp & Cruise in Marne, Michigan, dealing in RVs, watercraft sales, service, and light truck-toppers and accessories.

Darle and Carol loved the water and water sports, watching sunsets, traveling, hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, and spending time at their home in Big Sky, Montana, in the winter months. They were long-time members of Bostwick Lake Congregational Church in Rockford while residing in Belding and Rockford, Michigan.

Darle and Carol are remembered and missed by their daughter, Brenda Helms of Grand Haven; and son, Jeff (Barbara) Helms of Coopersville; two grandchildren, Katie (Chris) Bush and Brody Helms; and two great-grandchildren, Alice and Emmett Bush.

Private services will be held. Per their wishes, cremation was entrusted and performed by Lake Michigan Cremation Services in Holland, Michigan, and their remains will be interred together at Aetna Township Cemetery in Morley, Michigan, in the family plot. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America, the Parkinson's Association of West Michigan, the American Heart Association-West Michigan, or the American Cancer Society of Michigan. Please visit www.klaassen funeralhome.com to sign Darle and Carol's online guestbook.