Walter Helm

Walter "Wallie" Lyle Helm, 67, of Springfield, IL, died 1:52 P.M., Monday, February 6, 2012, at St. Mary's Hospital, Decatur, IL. Memorial services will be 10:00 A.M., Friday, February 10, 2012, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, IL, with visitation 5 to 8 P.M., Thursday, February 9, at the funeral home. In honoring Wallie's wishes, he was cremated. Burial will be at a later date at Gaines Cemetery, Mackinaw, IL. Memorials may be made to Lincolnwood High School F.F.A., Raymond, IL. Walter was born February 9, 1944, in Decatur, IL, the son of Lyle and Charlotte Fern (Stogsdill) Helm. He married Janina Waldmier in 1965 and she preceded him in death on October 5, 1968. He later married Susan L. Clark in 1975 in Jacksonville, IL. Walter attended undergraduate school at ISU and received his masters degree at U of I. He was a teacher and principal in Olympia School District, later returning to farming on the family farm in 1979 until 2001 in Piatt County. He then returned to teaching in 2004 in the Panhandle School District in Raymond, IL, and served as the F.F.A. Advisor, a job he dearly loved. Walter enjoyed fishing, reading, woodworking, and taking trips to Canada. He was a member of Cerro Gordo United Methodist Church, Cerro Gordo American Legion #117 and served on the Cerro Gordo School Board from 1979 to 1991. He is survived by his daughters Lisa R. Ridgeway and husband Donald of Cerro Gordo, IL, Amanda H. Wright and husband Derek of Plainfield, IL, Sarah C. Helm of Knoxville, TN; grandchildren Christopher Ridgeway and wife Amber of Decatur, IL, Rachael Ridgeway of Cerro Gordo, IL, Avery Wright, Lillian Wright, and Delaney Wright, all of Plainfield, IL; great grandchildren Dillon Ridgeway of Decatur, IL, Aynslee Ridgeway of Cerro Gordo, IL, Christian Ridgeway of Decatur, IL; father and mother-in-law Clark Waldmier and wife Mary of Decatur, IL; one niece, two nephews, one great nephew and five great nieces; special fishing buddy Jeff Hoover and cousin and friend Darrell Helm. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Janina; and sister Wanda Fulk. The family would like to thank Dr. Velasco and Dr. Bukhari, and give special thanks and much appreciation to the staff and nurses at St. Mary's ARC & SCU for their skills, compassion, care, and love shown to our father and our family during his stay. It will never be forgotten. You are truly angels here on earth. Condolences may be left to the family at www.brintlingerandearl.com "
}