Herman A. Helman, age 82, of 1515 Dakota Avenue, Gladstone, MI died Thursday evening January 5, 2006 at the Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers where he had been a resident for the past 5 months.

Herman was born May 29, 1923 in Gladstone, MI the son of Charles and Johanna (Nelson) Helman. He was raised in Gladstone where he attended Gladstone High School. Herman served in the U.S. Army during WW II where he served in Normandy, Northern France and Central Europe. He was honorably discharged in 1945 and he received the Purple Heart. He married the former Ethel Leadman on October 5, 1946 at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone and they resided in Grand Rapids until 1950 when they returned to Gladstone. He had worked for Mead Paper Company for over 30 years retiring in December of 1985. Herman was a member of the First Lutheran Church in
Gladstone, Mead Rod and Gun Club, Gladstone American Legion, Escanaba V.F.W. and the Purple Heart. Herman loved going to camp, deer hunting, ice fishing, and he treasured attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. He also enjoyed playing for the First Lutheran Church Dart Ball Team and playing cards.

Survivors include: 3 sons: Robert (Elaine) Helman of Gladstone; Steven (Jean) Helman of Frederic, MI; Richard Helman of Gladstone

3 daughters: Alice (Terry) VanBrocklin of Gladstone; Kathleen (Robert) VanBrocklin of Gladstone; Colleen (Michael Terrian of Weston, WI

1 Brother:Donald (Jean) Helman of Gladstone

1 Sister: Elma Mason of Shawano, WI

16 Grandchildren, 25 Great Grandchildren and Numerous nieces and nephews

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by: Wife: Ethel in 1990

Son: Michael in 1978

1 Brother: Carl Helman

2 Sisters: Siama Hochleutner and Astrid Farrell

Herman’s family will receive friends on Sunday from 2:00 P.M. to 4:45 P.M. at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. Gladstone American Legion Post #71 Military rites will follow at 4:45 P.M. Funeral services celebrating the life of Herman Helman will follow at 5:00 P.M. on Sunday at the First Lutheran Church with Rev. Jonathan Schmidt officiating. Luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be in Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells, MI. The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Helman family.