Helm, William 'Bill' T.

William “Bill” T. Helm, 73, of Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012, in his home following a lengthy illness. A gathering to celebrate Bill's life will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, at the Moose Lodge. At 3 p.m. military rites will be performed in honor of Bill's service to our country. Arrangements entrusted to Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel.

Surviving are his wife, Bettie; three daughters, Angela Helm of Marshalltown, Lisa Digiacomo and husband John of California and Kimberly Turecek of Fairfield; his stepchildren, Mike McConnell of Iowa City, David McConnell and wife Ronda of Davenport, Julie Burnside of Cedar Rapids and John McConnell and wife Mary of Monticello; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and his dog, Freeway.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bill was born on March 10, 1939, in Ottumwa, Iowa. He served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. Bill received a basketball scholarship to attended Greeley College in Colorado. He was a congressional aid for Congressman John Kyl and attended the inauguration of John F. Kennedy. He was employed for over 40 years in the railroad industry as an accountant. He was a past exalted Euler of the Elks Lodge and was a member of the Moose and Eagles club. He was a past commander of the American Legion in Marshalltown. He was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Denver Broncos. He enjoyed history facts and trivia and time with his family. Bill enjoyed life to the fullest and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

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Published in The Gazette Oct. 10, 2o12