Helscher, Karl 'Rick' Frederick

Karl “Rick” Frederick Helscher, 65, formerly of Keota, passed away Nov. 14, 2011, surrounded by his family. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, at Powell Funeral Home in Keota, with the Rev. Dennis Hopes officiating. Interment will be at Keota Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until service time Wednesday at the funeral home.

Born on the 22nd of May 1946, Rick was raised in Keota, Iowa, where he graduated from high school in 1964. His childhood summers were spent at the family's beloved cabin on Ten Mile Lake, Minn., which was never far from his mind. Graduating from Coe College in Cedar Rapids in 1968, Rick joined the United States Air Force as an officer, traveling the world and eventually retiring with honor after 21 years of proud service to Puyallup, Wash.

Always ready with a teasing smile and a wry quip, Rick was an easygoing man who enjoyed reading, baseball, and indulging in his passion for electronics.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Robert in 1993 and Mary Kathryn Helscher in 2011.

Surviving are his wife, Judith Helscher; his daughter, Jacquelyn (Joshua) Strong; son, Jonathon Helscher; and brothers, Charles (Dawn) and Stephen (Barbara) Helscher.

A memorial fund has been established for the Keota Community School Foundation or United Church of Faith.

Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota is handling local arrangements.

Condolences may be sent online at  under obituaries.

Published Dec. 11, 2011, in The Gazette