Ralph Helming , 97, a long time resident of Lansford, ND, died Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at Prince of Peace Nursing Home in Sioux Falls, SD.

Ralph was born December 7, 1912, in Lansford, ND to Theodore Helming, Sr. and Matilda (Greeling) Helming. He was the youngest of six children. Ralph was raised on the family farm and graduated from Lansford High School in 1929.

He married Constance "Connie" Schaefer on March 9, 1940. They resided in Lansford where they farmed. He worked as a lineman for the phone company for several years while farming. He retired in 1974. He and Connie then purchased a home in Arizona. They became winter visitors and enjoyed working on their retirement home in the winter months until her death in 1979. The next year he moved to Mesa, Arizona, and continued his winter visits until 2005, when he had to give up his apartment in Lansford and entered an assisted living facility in Mesa.

After being on hospice care for the 2nd time he moved to Prince of Peace in Sioux Falls, SD, where he would be closer to family. His condition improved to the point that hospice care was no longer needed. The 3rd time, though, he was ready to give up to his failing health. Thursday, March 4, he devoured a box of caramel corn and prodded his Granddaughter during her weekly visit doing her homework. Friday, March 5, he played another fierce game of beach ball during his activity time. Saturday, March 6, he seemed tired and ready to rest. As the evening of his 70th wedding anniversary, March 9, was passing he chose to have the last anniversary waltz with his bride Connie. What a perfect exit to a great life.

He was a member of Lansford Methodist Church and served as treasurer for many years. He was a member of Lansford Masonic Lodge and was Past Master. He was a lifetime member of the Minot Shrine Club and the Minot Elks Lodge. He was a charter member of the Lansford Threshermen and Historical Association and served as its treasurer until 2004. He served on the Lansford Volunteer Fire Department and served as Fire Chief. He was a City Councilman and was city auditor for many years. He served on the Lansford Development Corporation. He received an award from Renville-Bottineau County Improvement Association. He was a member of The Senior Citizen's Club of Lansford.

Some of Ralph's favorite activities were bowling, traveling throughout the United States and Canada with his family, and working on the building and machinery at the Threshermen's grounds. He spent many hours riding a lawnmower, keeping the weeds down and the grass even at the threshing grounds. His greatest enjoyment came in helping his cousin, Lynn Helming, with various projects such as a replica of Lansford in 1910 and restoring windmills and an oil wagon. These activities helped give meaning back to his life after his wife died.

The circle of his life continues with remaining family to include a daughter, Vicki Wentz, Mesa, AZ; son, Neil Helming, Minneapolis, MN. Grandchildren: Kimberly Wentz, Sioux Falls, SD; Michele Isaacson (John), Moorhead, MN; Russell Wentz (Kim), Canton, SD; Melissa Helming Krych (Samuel), Robbinsdale, MN. Great-grandchildren: Marisa and Madison Baumgart; Jesse and Kambree Wentz; Calvin, Eli, Liam and Adeline Krych.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, parents, four brothers, Milton, Carlton, Grant, and Theodore Jr. and sister, Ruth.

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM Saturday, May 29, 2010, at Lansford United Methodist Church.
Interment: Lansford Community Cemetery, Lansford, ND
Visitation: Friday, May 28, 2010 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials: Memorials are preferred to the Lansford United Methodist Church or to the Lansford Community Cemetery.
A service was March 12, 2010 in Sioux Falls, SD for family and friends in the area.

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