Eli C. Helmuth

Eli C. Helmuth
June 17, 1923 - October 14, 2008
Kalona, Iowa
Visitation: 2-8 p.m. October 15, 2008 at Sharon Bethel Church, Rural Kalona
Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m. October 16, 2008 at Sharon Bethel Church, Rural Kalona
Interment: October 18, 2008 at Whiteville Mennonite Cemetery, Whiteville, Tennessee
Eli C. Helmuth, age 85, of 5497 Cosgrove Rd S.W. Kalona, Iowa and Whiteville, TN, died on October 14, 2008, at his home. He was born on June 17, 1923, in Kalona, Iowa to Chris and Mary (Miller) Helmuth. He was married to Fannie (Miller) Helmuth on June 21, 1945. She preceded him in death on January 10, 2005. To this union was born one son Lloyd J. (Rose Mary) Helmuth; also 2 foster brothers (twins) Gary Gulley of Sacramento, CA and Terry Gulley of Kansas City, MO. He remarried Sarah (Mast)(Miller) Helmuth on September 23, 2007, who survives, and his step children: David Lee (Martha) Miller of Kalona, IA, Lucy (Roman) Stoltzfoos of Kinsers, PA, Elaine Miller of Kalona, IA, Evelyn (Steven) Miller of Hutchinson, KS, Nancy Miller of Iowa City and Louise Miller of Kalona, IA. Eli had 4 grandsons; 1 granddaughter; 2 great grandchildren; 26 step grandchildren and 7 step great grandchildren; 2 brothers Menno of Kalona, IA, Daniel of Coralville, IA and 2 sisters: Martha Schrock of Denver, CO and Lydia Kanagy of Kalona, IA. He accepted Christ in his youth and was a faithful member at the Whiteville Mennonite Church, Whiteville, TN. He helped pioneer the starting of the church at Leon, IA and then again at Whiteville, TN. His visits to the prisons and the inmates was always a joy and an encouragement to him. He was not a stranger to anyone and he had no enemies. He could say what he wanted to and still be friends. The people in TN knew him as Mr. Eli and those weren't a few. The community folks always enjoyed his visits with them and asked about him. His parents and 3 brothers William, John and Andy; a sister and a great grandchild preceded him in death. The family wishes to thank their friends and loved ones for the prayers and encouragement during his time of illness. God Bless You.
A memorial fund has been established for the Whiteville Mennonite Church.