Ellen M. (Kreienbrienk) Helmkamp

Ellen M. Helmkamp, age 99, of Avilla, IN formerly of LaGrange, IN passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at Parkview LaGrange Hospital.  Ms. Helmkamp was born on October 3, 1924 in Avilla, IN to the late Fred and Matilda (Liebrecht) Kreienbrienk.  Ellen graduated from Avilla High School.  On February 23, 1946, she married Donald F. Helmkamp in Kendallville, IN.  He preceded her in death on June 5, 2011.  Ellen was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker.  She was a very active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Rosary Sodality in LaGrange, IN.  Ellen was an avid gardener, loved tending to her flowers, and enjoyed taking care of her lawn.  She partook in crafting, sewing, quilting, and constructing family photo albums.  Ellen spent many quality hours tending to her church as well.  She assisted with potlucks, various church activities, and even helped maintain the gardening at the church.  In her younger years, she and her husband belonged to the Friendly Circle Dance Club in LaGrange.  Together, she and her husband also enjoyed commuting back and forth from LaGrange to Fort Myers, FL where they also had a residence.  For many years, Ellen assisted on the election board in LaGrange as well.  Ellen was also always thrilled to play cards as well as dominoes in her spare time.  She was extremely family oriented and loved spending as much quality time as possible with her spouse, children, and grandchildren.  Ellen also loved her Sacred Heart Village family as well.  She was known for always being the first to greet new people at Sacred Heart Village and she cared about the other residents as if they were family.  Ellen was a selfless woman who went above and beyond for her loved ones, friends, church family, and community.  She will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.   

Survivors include:
Son, Tom (Karen)  Helmkamp of LaGrange, IN.
Son, Mike (Dee)  Helmkamp of Howe, IN.
Daughter, Ginny Hull of Adam’s Lake, Wolcottville, IN.
Son, Ed (Mary Kay) Helmkamp of Westler Lake, Wolcottville, IN.
Daughter, Lisa (Bobby Penick) Helmkamp of Adam’s Lake, Wolcottville, IN.  
Daughter-in-law, Kitty Helmkamp of LaGrange, IN.  
Granddaughter, Renee Helmkamp of Dominican Republic.
Grandson, Scott (Wendy) Helmkamp of Fort Wayne, IN.
Grandson, Kyle (Amy) Fisher of Alabama..
Granddaughter, Kelli (Elliott) Jolivette of Texas.
Grandson, Derek (Lauren) Cleveland of Hawaii.
Grandson, Grant Helmkamp of Ohio.
Granddaughter, Kendra Helmkamp of LaGrange, IN.
Granddaughter, Dana Helmkamp of California.
Granddaughter, Vanessa (Eddie) Caballero of Howe, IN.
Great-grandchildren, Hunter (Georgi),and Emily Christner, Trevor and Megan Helmkamp, Jack and Ella Fisher, Emme,Hudson,and Grace Jolivette, Evangeline, Malachi, and Hannah Cleveland, Liam, Caleb, and Andrew Caballero.
1 Great-great-grandson, Camden Christner.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, son, Al Helmkamp, Son-in-law, Wes Hull, 4 sisters; Henrietta Demske, Leona Fortman, Agnus VanGessel, and Edna Meyer.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 from 3:00pm-7:00pm with a Rosary Service at 7:00pm at Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 603 South Detroit Street, LaGrange, IN 46761.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 22,  2023 at 11:15am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 50 North 100 East, LaGrange, IN 46761.

Burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in LaGrange.

A luncheon will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church following the cemetery services.

Officiating the services will be Father Osman Ramos.

Memorial donations may be directed to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Sacred Heart Village, and or Parkview Hospice.

Arrangements and care entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of LaGrange, IN.  

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