Earl E. Helms

Earl Erving Helms was born November 17, 1950 in Wall, South Dakota, the fourth child of Erving and Elizabeth (Eisenbraun) Helms. As a young child Earl was very enthusiastic and ambitious. At the age of five, he became very ill and from this he became mentally challenged, and had to learn many things over again. In 1963, for medical reasons, Earl moved to Redfield State Hospital and School. While there, he learned many things and enjoyed working in the workshop, going to dances, movies, bowling, and horse riding. In the summers he would enjoy coming back home to the ranch and visiting friends and relatives. 

In 2010, Earl got the opportunity to fulfill a dream of moving to Black Hills Works, where he became a resident and learned to know many new people and work in the workshop. Here he was very helpful and liked by the staff and residents. Here he enjoyed going bowling, camping, football games, and riding horses at Suncatchers Academy. 

He passed away suddenly on Wednesday, October 3, 2012, and will be dearly missed by family, friends, and staff.

Grateful for having shared his life are three sisters Ester Johannesen and her husband Gene of Wall, Edith Eisenbraun and her husband Aaron of Rapid City, and Eileen Niederwerder and her husband Greg of Rapid City; two brothers Eugene Helms and his wife Glenda of Creighton and Elden Helms and his wife Lillian of Creighton; 11 nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends. 

Earl was preceded in death by his parents. 

Visitation was held two hours preceding the services at the church on Saturday. 

Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 6, at the First Lutheran Church in Wall, with Pastor Curtis Garland officiating. 

Interment was at the Wall Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to Black Hills Works or SunCatchers Academy.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Saturday, October 6, 2012 - 2:00 p.m.
First Lutheran Church
Wall, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Curtis Garland
MUSIC
Mary Kay Wilson - Pianist
Congregational Hymns
“Just As I Am”
“How Great Thou Art”
USHERS
Dennis Sieler - Mike Sieler
PALLBEARERS
Bob Helms - Paul Staben
Marvin Denke - Tom Mahon
Eli Helms - Wade Geigle
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Wall Cemetery
Wall, South Dakota

Service Details

Visitation:  two hours preceding the services at the church on Saturday. 
Funeral services: 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 6, at the First Lutheran Church in Wall.
Interment: Wall Cemetery.

Guest Book

Flowers