Obituary for Ronald Helems

Ronald Dale Helems (Jake) was born November 30, 1931 in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to James Edward Helems and Hester Alice Dougherty Helems. Jake moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma in 1934 with his parents. He attended Jefferson Grade School, East Junior High School and graduated from Ponca City High School in May of 1951.

He joined the Ponca City Fire Department right after graduation. In May of 1952 he joined the US Navy and served on the US General HW Butner as a metal smith. His tour of duty took him to England, Germany, Italy and many other countries. He met the love of his life Madeline Boyd while on leave in New York City. They were married on Oct 22, 1955 at the Lutheran Church in Flushing, New York. After his tour of duty in the Navy Madeline and Jake returned to Ponca City and he rejoined the Ponca City Fire Department in May of 1956 and continued to work there until his retirement in 1973. He then worked for Mertz Manufacturing for 20 years and retired again in 1993. He stayed home for a year and then went to work for Ponca City Machine and finally retired again for the last time after 13 years.

He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Ponca City.

His hobbies included camping, fishing, and wood working. He loved all of his friends and belonged to the 31 Camping Club.

He is survived by his wife Madeline of 58 years, his son Kevin Helems and daughter Sheila Helems both of Ponca City. Two brothers Garland Helems of Ponca City and Eddie Helems & wife Letha of Chouteau, OK.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Donald Helems.

A family visitation will be held Thursday January 16 6:00 to 7:30 pm at Trout Funeral Home and Crematory. A service will be held on Friday January 17 2:00 pm at the First Lutheran Church in Ponca City.

Honorary casket bearers are Bing Shelton, Owen Greer, Ronnie Helems, Frosty Nix, Gary Larson and members of the Ponca City Fire Department.

Source: Trout Funeral Home