Ronald L. Helmink (61) of Montrose

Ronald L. Helmink, age 61, of Montrose, Illinois, passed away at 11:28 AM Friday, November 6, 2020 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, Illinois.

Visitation will be held at 4:00-7:00 PM Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Dieterich, Illinois. Private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, at the St. Joseph Church in Island Grove, Illinois, with Father Frank Folino, OFM celebrating mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Island Grove, Illinois. There will be a gathering at the graveside service for family and friends starting at 11:15 AM until 12 Noon on Wednesday, November 11, 2020. In loving memory of Ron, memorials may be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and can be sent to the Helmink Family, 20478 North 400th Street Montrose, Illinois 62445. The family requests that face masks be worn and social distancing will be practiced. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left by clicking here. 

Ronald was born on January 25, 1959, in Effingham, Illinois, the son of Charles Henry and Evelyn Rose (Griffith) Helmink. He graduated from Newton Community High School in 1977. Ron was united in marriage to Jo Ellen Thoele on September 10, 1983, at. St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Teutopolis, Illinois. Ron was a lifelong farmer, a loving husband, father to his children and a family man. He was a tax preparer at H&R Block, which he loved to do.

Ron was a member of the St Isidore Parish – St. Jospeh Catholic Church in Island Grove, Illinois, and the Knights of Columbus Council # 2874 in Teutopolis, Illinois. Some of Ron’s favorite things to do away from the farm were: taking naps, playing solitaire, peanut butter sandwiches and sitting in his favorite reclining chair. He also enjoyed riding his side-by-side with his beloved dog Chief.

Ron is survived by his wife of 37 years - Jo Ellen Helmink; Father – Charles Helmink; Children - Jonathan (Becky) Helmink, Deborah (Rob) Connell, Theresa (Joe) Fehrenbacher, Angela Helmink, Beth Helmink (Dustin Parde) and Kathryn Helmink; 5 grandchildren - Christian Parde, Brittany Helmink, Macy Helmink, Clara Fehrenbacher, and Abby Parde; Siblings - Sharon Taylor, Nancy (Troy) Smith, Carolyn Helmink and Dave Helmink; and Brothers-in law - Bill (Rosa) Thoele and Melvin Thoele.

Ron was preceded in death by his mother Evelyn Helmink and his Mother and Father-in-law Richard and Martha Thoele.

Ron was loved by so many people that have shown their support during this time. He will be missed by all and cherished in the hearts of many people.