Fred G. "Fritz" Helmer

MARION – Fred G. “Fritz” Helmer, age 90, passed away December 5, 2016, at St. Luke Hospital in Marion, Kansas.  He was born November 12, 1926, in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, the son of David and Anna (Eberhardt) Helmer.  On October 17, 1948, he was united in marriage to Edith L. Graham.  He owned and operated Helmer’s Service station in Marion; prior to that he worked for Security Oil for over 25 years in Wichita and Liberal.  He was a member of Eastmoor United Methodist Church, was active in leadership with the Boy Scouts, and was a charter member of the Marion Lions Club.  He enjoyed bowling, fishing, and hunting.  He was preceded in death by his brothers:  August, George, Dave, Albert, Harry, John, Godfrey, Will and Ezra Helmer, and a sister Ann Boese.  He is survived by his wife, of 68 years, Edith Helmer of Marion; his sons:  David Helmer of Marion; and Dan Helmer and wife Brenda of Norman, Oklahoma; his daughters:  Debra Thomason and husband Harold of West Des Moines, Iowa; and Deanna Gilbert and husband Royce of Alma; 10 grandchildren:  Anthony Gilbert, Austin Gilbert, Ashley Wurtz, T.J. Thomason, Heath Thomason, Danny Helmer, Joey Helmer, Josh Helmer, Darcy Pease, and Bruce Pease; and 20 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by by sisters-in-law:  Pearl Helmer of Marion; Dorothy Helmer of Newton; Valera Morgan of Marion; and Esther Hendrix and her husband Ray of Holyoke, Colorado. The Visitation will be held from 6 – 8 p.m., Friday, at Zeiner Funeral Home.  The Funeral Service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, December 10, 2016, at Eastmoor United Methodist Church of Marion.  Interment will be in the Marion Cemetery.  Memorial Funds have been established for the Hilltop Manor, Eastmoor United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association in care of Zeiner Funeral Home, 205 Elm, Marion, KS, 66861.  Online Condolences may be left at www.zeinerfuneralhomes.com.