Ralph Helm

Ralph E. Helm, Sr. 84, of Bettendorf, passed away Sunday, July 28, 2013 at Genesis Medical Center – West Campus in Davenport.
Visitation for Ralph will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. until 12 Noon at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf. Private family graveside services and burial with full military honors will be held at Rock Island National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Quad City Animal Welfare Center.
Born on September 2, 1928 in Scott City, Kansas, Ralph was the son of Fred and Louise Helm. Ralph married Christine Kuegle in Augsburg, Germany. They spent 65 wonderful years together.
Following graduation from high school, Ralph enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country from 1946 – 1968. Following his retirement from the military, Ralph worked for Sears as a repair technician and later worked for JC Penney, retiring in 1990. Ralph and Christine were former members of Broadview United Methodist Church in Bettendorf.
Ralph was an avid card shark, specializing in pinochle and cribbage. He enjoyed gardening, caring for his rose bushes and keeping his lawn in immaculate condition. Ralph cherished his time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Christine of Bettendorf; two sons, Ed (Tu) Helm of Bettendorf and Bob (Cheryl) Helm of Blue Grass; one daughter, Evelyn (Harold) Hennings of Park View; six grandchildren, Jennifer (Scott), Tony (Tricia), Steve (Kelly), Ricky, Kyle (Meghan) and Cory; three great-grandchildren, Kailyn, Haylee and Hayden and two more on the way; and one sister, Lue Kozicki of Bettendorf.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Lucille and Eileen; and two brothers, Alvin and Richard.