Aaron Frank Helmick

1943 - 2025

Cascade - Aaron Frank Helmick, 81, of Cascade, passed away unexpectedly on May 11, 2025, at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center with his son and grandson by his side. Aaron was born on November 18, 1943, to Albert & Freida (Nitzel) Helmick. He was the tenth of thirteen children and grew up working on the family farm.

Aaron graduated from Emmett High School in 1962. When he was 20 years old, he enlisted in the army where he served in Vietnam as the handler for a German Shepard named Fritz in the 212th Military Police. His nickname was "Spud", as he was very proud of being from Idaho. He returned home in late 1966 and served in the Army Reserve until 1970. In 1974, he earned an associate degree in diesel mechanics from Boise State University.

Aaron married Sharon Wells on November 23, 1968 and together had two children, Kimberly and Scott. After his divorce from Sharon, Aaron married Marla (Hahn) Burk in 1973. During their 26-year marriage, Aaron raised three stepchildren, Lori, Ron and Wendy Burk. His "golden" years were spent with Arlene Kropf and his beloved cattle dogs Rocky, Red and Kate.

Aaron was a truck driver and rancher. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed being in the mountains picking morel mushrooms and huckleberries. Visiting the Oregon Coast was his favorite vacation getaway and loved tending to his garden, raising cows and playing cards. He spent his retirement fixing the many miles of fences for the Phillips brothers.

He was lovingly known as "Oldie Goldie" to his grandchildren, whom he enjoyed spending time with, teaching them to hunt, fish, grow a garden and mend a fence. He was always there when you needed a helping hand and made sure you went home with veggies from the garden and meat from the freezer. It was his way of saying "I love you." He will be deeply missed, and his memory will be honored and cherished by all.

Aaron was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Freida Helmick; brothers Bob, Gary and Bud Helmick and sisters Beulah Lytle, Irene Canaday, Vivian Smith and Rose Darnell. He is survived by his brothers Ed and Tim Helmick; sisters Bernice Rogers, Cleo Bramlett and Karen Wildman; daughter Kimberly Renea Emmen; son Scott Aaron (Jerrimi) Helmick and stepson Ron Burk; grandchildren Stephanie Fay Emmen, Scotti Jo (Charli) Bolt, Marcus Aaron (Ruby) Emmen, Riley Kate Helmick and Tyce Jacob Helmick; and great grandchildren Fynnli Faye Bolt, Cali Jo Bolt and Robin Ray Emmen.

A memorial service will be held on June 9, 2025, 11:00 AM at Potter Funeral Chapel, 228 E Main Street, Emmett, Idaho. Aaron was cremated and will be laid to rest, with honors, at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise, Idaho, at 2:00 PM following the memorial service. A family gathering is being planned and will be announced later. Charitable donations can be made in Aaron's name to The American Legion Post 60 in Cascade, Idaho.