Gerald Harlan Helzer

Gerald was born July 8, 1937, in Worms, Nebraska to August and Emma (Simonson) Helzer. He was one of eight children. As a toddler, he moved with his family to Caldwell, Idaho. He attended Marble Front School until his family relocated to Letha, Idaho, and later graduated from Emmett High School in 1955.

As a young man, Gerald worked at the Darigold Creamery as a milk hauler. It was there that he met the love of his life, Eunice Gilbertson. They were married November 6, 1959, and began their life together raising a family. They were blessed with three daughters: April, Robin, and Penny.

Gerald and Eunice lived in Caldwell for a few years before purchasing a small farm in Emmett. Together they worked the farm, milked cows, and eventually began doing custom combining.

In 1983, they decided it was time for a change and began a ten-year career with Motel 6. During that time, they served as motel managers in Greeley, Colorado; Elko, Nevada; Salt Lake City, Utah; and finally Boise, Idaho.

During those years they were also able to purchase a small mobile home park in Emmett. Gerald enjoyed caring for the park and remodeling many of the residents' mobile homes. They later bought a house in Caldwell and began restoring it as their retirement home. The mobile home park was sold in 2014, and they moved to their restored home in Caldwell to enjoy their retirement.

Gerald is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Eunice; his daughters, April (Jerry) Brown of White Bird and Penny Helzer of Meridian; Two brothers, Elmer (Sandra) Helzer, Gary Helzer, and sister, Gladys Gwynn; six grandchildren: Adam Wright, Jason Wright, Rachel Schaefer, Curtis Smithers, Taylor Dodge, and David Brown; 20 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, a sister and his daughter, Robin Helzer.

Services are pending at Dakan Mortuary in Caldwell.

Gerald will be remembered for his kind and gentle strength and his deep love for his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Dakan Funeral Chapel is honored to be caring for Mr. Helzer and his family at this time. Condolences may be shared by typing in the "Share A Story" at the top of this page.