Wendell Helphrey

WENDELL HARRY HELPHREY

Winfield

Wendell Harry Helphrey, 87, of Winfield, died Sunday, May 23, 2021, at Mercy Iowa City. He was born Sept. 3, 1933, in Yarmouth, to Daniel "Glen" and Mary Anna Krieger Helphrey. On Dec. 11, 1954, he married Dorothy Jean Kellogg in Winfield.

He was a 1950 graduate of Yarmouth High School and attended Iowa State College. Mr. Helphrey proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean occupation.

He was a former member of Trinity United Methodist Church and belonged to the Mount Union United Methodist Church. He was a founding member of Crooked Creek 2-Cylinder Tractor Club and a member of Big Creek Tractor Club. He was on the Henry County Fair board, past president of Pork Producers, on the Mount Union Coop Board, volunteered at Midwest Old Threshers in the North Village and was an Antique Tractor exhibitor.

Wendell was a lifelong farmer who never met a stranger. He loved time spent with his family and enjoyed traveling to Branson, camping, and attended the Iowa State Fair every year for 55 years until last year when his family hosted their own Iowa State Fair on the Helphrey family farm. He was very musical and loved singing and dancing, even singing on the WHO radio station.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Jean; children, Kurtis (Kathy) of Winfield and Karen (Mark) Garrett of Wayland; two grandchildren, Katy (Michael) Black and Klinton Garrett; two great-grandchildren, Madden and Karsyn Black; and nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Kenneth, Verl and Floyd; and sisters, Frances Schenk and Greta Housman.

The funeral service for Mr. Helphrey will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Elliott Chapel, New London, with Pastor Earl Swigart officiating. Burial will follow at Winfield Scott Cemetery. Visitation will be at Elliott Chapel Thursday from noon until 8 p.m., the family will not be present. A memorial has been established for Winfield First Responders. Online condolences may be expressed at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.