Vernon L. Helmer

Vernon L. Helmer, 88, of Battle Creek, died November 28, 2011 at Good Samaritan Hospice Residence. He was born August 27, 1923, the son of George R. and Blanche (Bingham) Helmer in Oshtemo Township. Vernon served in the US Army during World War II and worked at Kellogg's as an engineer, retiring in 1984. He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Sproull-Reynolds) Helmer of Battle Creek; daughters, Jan Bieber of Newaygo, Mary Hilton of Mattawan; son, Paul Helmer of Seattle, Washington; stepson, Thomas (Bonnie) Reynolds of Middleville, Michigan; stepdaughters, Cindy (George) Harris of Bremerton, Washington, Kristie (Gerritt) Waterlander of Eagle River, Alaska; 16 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Henrietta (VanNoorloos) Helmer; daughter, Lorie Jean Helmer in 1992 and granddaughter, Melissa Marie Reynolds in 2006. Vernon was a member of Grace Community Church and enjoyed traveling. The family will receive friends from 4 until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at Shaw Funeral Home. Services will take place 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 1, 2011 at Grace Community Church with Pastors Brad Smith and Bob Zuhl officiating. Interment, Mount Ever-Rest Cemetery, Kalamazoo. Memorial donations may go to Gideons, Bibles for Missions or Grace Community Church. The family is being served by Shaw Funeral Home.