Raymond W. Helmer

Raymond William Helmer, age 81, passed away on October 27, 2008 at his residence in Renton, WA. He has been an area resident for the past 43 years.He was born on January 21, 1927 in Belle Fourche, South Dakota to William A. and Alma (Lindgren) Helmer. He graduated from high school and was drafted into the US Army serving during WWII. Upon his release, he met and married Wilma Waunita Hicks on February 14, 1949, in Belle Fourche. The couple farmed in the Belle Fourche Valley until relocating to Seattle in 1966. He was employed with Boeing, prior to working in maintenance for the municipality of metropolitan Se-attle in water quality treatment for over 20 years. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, traveling the USA in his 5th Wheeler, photography and was a skilled kite flyer.He is survived by his wife, of nearly 60 years, Wilma at home in Renton; 4 daughters, Sonja (Terry) Hoffman of Portland, OR; Nancy (Dennis) Helmer-Nelson of Seattle, WA; Susan Helmer of Seattle, WA; Mary (Bruce) Erickson of Renton, WA; 3 grandchildren; 3 brothers, Glenn, Larry and Gary Helmer and 3 sisters, Dorothy Umenthum, Mary Lou Hanify and Dora Hanson and numerous nieces and nephews. His parents and a brother, Leroy, preceded him in death.Visitation will be held the morning of the service, between the hours of 9:00-11:00 a.m. The Funeral service will begin at noon at the Edline, Yahn and Covington Chapel in Kent, WA on Wed., November 5, with burial with military honors to follow at Tahoma national Cemetery, Kent. A reception back at the Edline-Yahn & Covington’s Atrium is planned.Memorial donations may be directed to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements under the care and direction of Weeks, Edline-Yahn & Covington Funeral Chapel.

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