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Keith Helmlinger Obituary
TROY - Keith Helmlinger passed away on October 4, 2025, at Ohio's Hospice, Upper Valley Medical Center, Troy, Ohio, just months after celebrating his 71 birthday. Born on July 23, 1954, in Lima, Ohio, Keith led a life marked by dedication to storytelling, education, and community service.
Keith earned both his journalism degree and a master's degree in education from The Ohio State University. His professional journey began in the newsroom, where he spent two decades as a reporter and city editor. His passion for truth and communication shaped his early career and left a lasting impression on those who worked alongside him.
In midlife, Keith made a significant transition-returning to college to pursue a second career in education. He became a teacher and later served as a principal within Sidney City Schools. His commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering academic growth defined this chapter of his life until his retirement.
Keith is survived by his beloved wife Pam "Effie" (Davis); daughter Katie Helmlinger and her fiancé Arvind Jujare of Chicago; son Graham Helmlinger and his wife Kendal of Jackson Center; and grandsons Rowan, Rylan, and Rennan Helmlinger. He is survived by his sister, Kathy Gearing and her husband, Bob, and many nieces and nephews. His family was a source of great pride and joy throughout his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Maggie Helmlinger; his parents-in-law Harold and Kathryn Davis; and brother-in-laws John Davis and Gerry Rose.
In accordance with Keith's wishes, he donated his body to The Ohio State University for medical education. There will be no memorial service or celebration of life. Those wishing to honor Keith's memory may make contributions to the Jackson Center Library or St. Johns, Clay Township Rescue Squad-organizations that reflect the values he held dear. May Keith's memory bring comfort to all who knew him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Keith Helmlinger
Louanne (Steenrod) Hines & Family
October 22, 2025
Dear Effie and Family,
Thinking of all of you at the passing of Keith. You both went through a lot, but you did it together with your families and friends. Good thoughts and prayers go out all of you.
Molly Charles
October 12, 2025
Sending my condolences to the Helmlinger family.
Janet Ross
October 9, 2025
Pam and family, I want to offer my deepest condolences. Keith and I taught on the same sixth grade team. Keith cared so much about his students and his love of reading was imparted to his students. He will be truly missed. Janet Ross
Shavon Puckett
October 9, 2025
Keith, Mr H, was the principal of all 3 of my children throughout their elementary years. He kindness and care shown through, not only his words, but his actions as well. Our family was greatly impacted by this and we are very thankful for the time we got to spend with him. Four years ago I became a teacher and one year ago a children´s pastor. I have no doubt his influence helped me become the teacher and pastor I am today. He will be greatly missed by our family and so many others.
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Nancy Pastrana
October 8, 2025
I went to Ohio State with Keith, when he began dating his future wife, Effie who he said was his best friend! He was studying journalism. I have many fond memories and laughable moments with our college gang! I send my heartfelt condolences to Effie and the family.
Kim Kincaid and family
October 8, 2025
Keith was a decades-long friend. We met both working for The Lima News, where we spent so much time laughing as we worked. So many stories! As we both started families, our friendship turned into family as we all continued to spend time together. Our prayers are with the family as we all remember the great times we were blessed to share.
Linda Gies Fout
October 8, 2025
So very sorry for your loss Effie and family.Keith sure will be missed.Prayers for all.
Bob Humble
October 8, 2025
Keith was a great employee at Sidney City Schools. He always made me laugh. He will be missed.
Jannel O´Leary
October 8, 2025
Mr. Helmlinger was my 5th and 6th grade teacher at Northwood. He would read us Harry Potter daily. He was my favorite teacher in grade school. He left an everlasting touch on my heart. Seriously, the best teacher hands down! May he rest peacefully.
Marvin Foote
October 8, 2025
Praying for Pam and all the family. RIP Keith and now with your family in
Heaven.
Joy Dicus
October 8, 2025
I'm sure Keith touches many lives throughout his life with many positive outcomes. Noble one. You will be missed !
Barb Arnett
October 7, 2025
So sorry to hear this. Prayers for the family.
Desirae VanFossen
October 7, 2025
Mr. H was my principal at Whittier Elementary. Students interact with many teachers and staff throughout their school years. However, Mr. H stood out and touched so many lives and left such a positive impression on many, he will be missed!
Mandy Albers
October 7, 2025
I had the opportunity to work with Keith at Whittier many years ago. Keith was a true servant leader who not only cared deeply for his students, but truly cared about his staff. Keith left such a positive impact on so many people throughout his time in education. I am so grateful that I was able to be a part of his story. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Aaron Berning
October 7, 2025
In my years teaching at Sidney I have had many good principals. Keith was one of them. But well beyond that, Keith was my favorite as a person, and that says something. I saw him as more than just my boss. He was a good man who cared for his teachers and his students as people. We connected over music on a long drive to an in-service once and he was a listening ear with practical advice in his office at Whittier during separate disappointing and difficult times in my career and life I will never forget. Deeply human, Keith could relate with one's highest and lowest moments with empathy and care. I jokingly would call him "ex-boss" when I saw him after our days at Whittier ended. I always will...
AB
Miranda Uhl
October 7, 2025
Keith made coming to school each day a little easier. He was always kind and made sure to check in with you as a person, not just a staff member. He trusted me as a professional which helped me to grow as a teacher. Thanks Keith!
Melissa McClain
October 7, 2025
Keith was the principal who hired me at Whittier. He was an amazing person and mentor. Keith cared deeply for his students and staff. We always had a great time at Whittier and enjoyed being in that building. My children also had him as a principal while attending Whittier and they grew a great bond with him. Keith will be truly missed by many. Rest peacefully now Keith.
Tiffany Rank
October 7, 2025
Keith was an incredibly kind and generous person. I had the pleasure of knowing him in his years at Sidney City Schools. Dedicated to being the best, Keith knew all of his students on a personal level. I loved chats with Keith...they may have started out professionally related but usually turned to classic rock music or solving the problems of the world. We had big ideas! Keith had the biggest heart to leave the world a better place. He will be missed. My sincerest condolences to the entire family.
Michele Rivelli-Bucci
October 6, 2025
So sorry for your loss. My condolences to all of your family. May your memories help you through this difficult time.
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