Walter Helfenstein

HELFENSTEIN, Walter, 86, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away at his present home in Beavercreek, OH, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's on Wednesday, February 17, 2010. Walter was born April 30, 1923, on his family homestead near Long Lake, SD, to Gottfried and Eva (Wolf) Helfenstein. On October 20, 1946, he married Edna Heupel in the Eureka Baptist Church, Eureka, SD. He is survived by his wife, three children, and five grandchildren. A daughter, Marsha (Mark) Vossler, Beavercreek, OH; two sons, Jeffrey (Judy) Helfenstein, San Antonio, TX; and, Steve (Rene') Helfenstein, Burnsville, MN. His grandchildren include Mitchell Vossler, Beavercreek, OH; Jackie Helfenstein and Alex Helfenstein, San Antonio, TX; and Kaitlin Helfenstein and Jessica Helfenstein, Burnsville, MN. He is also survived by four brothers, Otto (Marlys) Helfenstein, Bismarck, ND; Ervin (Elmae) Helfenstein, Rapid City, SD; Harvey (Mary) Helfenstein, Tigard, OR; and, Curtis (Sharon) Helfenstein, Rapid City, SD; two sisters, Edna Opp, Portland, OR; and Verna Mettler, Gresham, OR; and one sister-in-law, Eunice (Ruben) Helfenstein, Fargo, ND. He also leaves behind many special friends, neighbors, and relatives. He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Ruben in 2008; two brothers-in-law, Alvin Opp in 1995; and Melvin Mettler in 1992. He was an Army veteran, farmer and custom combiner. He enjoyed farming, family, socializing, and following politics, and was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Ashley, ND and American Legion Post 53. A memorial service will be held in Ashley, ND, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to Hospice of the Miami Valley, 46 N. Detroit Street, Suite B, Xenia, OH 45385; the Ashley Medical Center, 612 Center Ave North, Ashley, ND 58413; or, Alzheimer's Association. Newcomer Funeral Home and Crematory, Beavercreek, OH, in charge of immediate arrangements. Carlsen Funeral Home and Crematory, Ashley, ND in charge of memorial service. Condolences may be sent to family at www.NewcomerDavton.com or www.CarlsenFH.com.