Michael Helmberger Jr.

January 22, 2021

Send Condolences

Michael Helmberger Jr., 95, of rural Frankfort, died January 22, 2021 at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, Ind.  He was born March 1, 1925 in Clinton County, Ind. to Michael John & Bessie Gale (Bates) Helmberger.  He married Phyllis Decker in 1947 and she preceded him in death on December 26, 1971.  He then married Mary (Hill) Like on August 16, 1974 and she survives.

Mike was a 1943 graduate of Jackson Township High School. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served from 1943-1946.  He was stationed in France and Germany and was Purple Heart recipient. Mike was a lifelong farmer. He was a member of the West Point Christian Church and Kirklin American Legion.  He enjoyed fishing and for many years, he and Mary would spend winters in Frost Proof, Florida.

The Funeral Service will be live-streamed at 2 p.m. on January 28, 2021.  To participate, please click the link below:

https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1116450

Visitation and Services

Visitation will be 1-2 p.m. Thursday, January 28, 2021 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort. Funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Green Lawn Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to West Point Christian Church, 5112 N CR 1250 E, Russiaville, IN 46979. Out of respect for the health, safety, and comfort of all in attendance, guests will be expected to adhere to current CDC guidelines regarding appropriate social distancing and the wearing of masks.

Survived by:

Wife: Mary Helmberger of rural Frankfort, 2 Sons: Larry L. (Cherie) Helmberger of Russiaville and Rick A. Helmberger of Kinard, FL, Daughter: Jana Helmberger of Sharpsville, 2 Stepdaughters: Jo Marie Karst of Cummings, FL, Kathy Like of Brookston, 2 Stepsons: Mike Like of Atlanta, GA and Tom (Barbara) Like of Frankfort, several Grandchildren and several Great Grandchildren.

Preceded by:

He was preceded in death by a son, John Michael Helmberger in 1948, 4 sisters and 1 brother.

Memorial Video

Click on the video below to play.

Condolences

Leave your Condolences

17 Condolences for “Michael Helmberger Jr.”

  1. Gaye Summitt January 24, 2021 at 4:12 am

    Jana, I am so sorry to learn of the passing of your dad. May your fond memories give you comfort. Hugs and prayers! Gaye Welch Summitt.

    Reply
  2. Brenda (Click) Stevens January 24, 2021 at 8:40 am

    Larry and Jana:
    I am so sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. Hold dear the memories of happy times and places. I remember all the times your dad and mom (Phyllis) took me to all the basketball and football games. They were both so very kind to me. He will be missed by many! Jana, as I shared with you on the day of his death, I am here for whatever I may help with. Much love to all the family.

    Reply
  3. Doug and Donna Schmutte January 24, 2021 at 11:45 am

    Donna and I loved uncle Mike and will miss coming to see him. We pray for Mary Jenna and Rick that Jesus will comfort them. If there’s anything you all need we’re just a phone call away

    Reply
  4. Mary King January 24, 2021 at 4:08 pm

    We are so very sorry for your loss. Praying for all of you in this sad and difficult time.
    Mary & Chris

    Reply
  5. Donna Browm January 24, 2021 at 7:05 pm

    Karl and I are so sorry for your loss. We know he will be missed tremendously. We pray that all the wonderful memories left behind will bring you all comfort.

    Reply
  6. Shellie Bates January 24, 2021 at 8:53 pm

    Deepest sympathy to the family.

    Reply
  7. Steve & Sudie Fearnow January 25, 2021 at 10:56 am

    Mary (BeeBee), Jana, Rick and Larry,
    Through our classmates and friends, Rick,& Jana, Sudie and I were introduced to Mike around 1970. Sudie and I were both very pleased when Mike “joined the family”, marrying aunt BeeBee (Mary). He quickly became a Favorite uncle.
    Over these many years we have found him to be be a generous, loving, caring, thoughtful, kind, humorous, man. A man defining the term gentleman. We will miss our hours long, Sunday afternoon phone calls with Mike and BeeBee while sitting on our respective “front porches”. We were very sorry that due to COVID, we were unable to make our annual Indiana visit this past summer. The Mike & Mary visit and going for lunch was always a highlight of the trip.
    Please know that; He was liked by all that met him, and loved by all that knew him. Jana, God bless you for all of your wonderful help and caring for Mary and Mike. Also, please contact us if we can help in any way.
    Love, Sudie & Steve

    Reply
  8. Melissa Palmer Trent January 25, 2021 at 2:18 pm

    Aunt Bebe, we did love Mike sooo! We’ll always remember his ever-present smile and kind/caring heart. Saying prayers for all of you, may sweet memories bring you joy as you grieve. I know we’ll see him in heaven!

    Love you much,
    Missy & family

    Reply
  9. Joe and Evelyn VanDine January 25, 2021 at 3:43 pm

    Our heartfelt love and prayers for the family for comfort and peace in the days and weeks to come. Uncle Mike will always hold a special place in the heart of our family.

    Reply
  10. Loretta Minnich January 25, 2021 at 6:42 pm

    Larry and Cherie,
    I was saddened to read about your father, Larry. It looks like he had a long and eventful life. We can only hope to do the same.

    Reply
  11. Barb Trenary January 26, 2021 at 1:57 pm

    Larry, Rick, and Jana
    I’m so sorry about Mikes passing. I always thought a lot of him, Phyllis and Mary. I know from experience what a great loss it will be for all of you. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  12. Janice Reitz January 27, 2021 at 6:00 pm

    Uncle Mike, Always was a treat to come and see all of you going up. Have a lot of awesome memories on the farm. Nice to know you are with God now. Love Janice Reitz

    Reply
  13. Morris Cox January 29, 2021 at 2:57 am

    Just loved Mike and Mary , we we’re their neighbors across 28 for a several years. Delightful people and wonderful to talk to from time to time. So much wisdom came from them. He was a treasure himself and Mary right by his side always. My condolences to the family.

    Reply
  14. Jane Fausset January 29, 2021 at 7:24 am

    Larry and Cherie,
    Sending my deepest sympathy to you and your family…..with many thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  15. Joan Weaver January 29, 2021 at 11:59 am

    Mary, this is Joan (Braden) Weaver that worked with you at Delhi. I’m so sorry to see that you lost Mike. You two had a long marriage together and I’m so sorry. Sure hope that your health is good. All the best to you, my friend.

    Reply
  16. Marilyn & Donald Wooldridge February 14, 2021 at 10:37 am

    Larry and Family,

    So sorry for the passing of your father. He was blessed with a long and good life. Our deepest sympathy to you during this sad and difficult time. Hopefully, your treasured memories will help sustain you in the days to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Reply
  17. Stephanie Renick March 15, 2021 at 9:49 am

    So sorry to hear about your loss. Mike was a great guy.

    Reply

Please fill out this form to contact the staff of Goodwin Funeral Home. We will respond to your message as soon as possible.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Family Information Guide

Goodwin Funeral Home obituaries are created from information contained in the Family Information Guide.

The Family Information Guide is a no-cost service provided by Goodwin Funeral Home for families and individuals who wish to record their personal information during the funeral preplanning process.

Begin your Family Information Guide today. Learn more about preparing yourself and loved ones for difficult and emotional decisions in the future.

Start my Family Information Guide

Funeral Arrangement Planner

Begin planning a funeral with our simple funeral arrangement planner.

The funeral arrangement planner was created to help guide you through the basic steps of planning a funeral. You may send your funeral plans to our office with any questions you may have about the funeral planning process.

Funeral Arrangement Planner