John Henry Helmink, 75, of rural Teutopolis, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 28, 2017, at home surrounded by his family.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Sacred Heart Church, Lillyville, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday evening at the church, with a 7:00 p.m. Knights of Columbus and Men's Sodality rosary. Memorials may be made to the donor's choice. Bauer Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born April 16, 1941, in Cumberland County, John was the son of Herman and Isabelle (Ruholl) Helmink. On April 28, 1962, John and Betty Ann Bierman were united in marriage.

John was a life-long member of Sacred Heart Church, and a member of Lillyville Men's Sodality, and Teutopolis Knights of Columbus Council #2874. For nearly 42 years, John worked for Stevens Industries in Teutopolis. He was a shift manager and for the last several years he oversaw the millworks department for Stevens. John enjoyed crafting custom woodwork products, hunting, playing cards with family and friends and gardening. John will be missed by all who knew him.

John is survived by his wife of 54 years, Betty; three sons, Mike (friend, Jody) of Montrose, Tim (Sharon) of Effingham, and Bob (Dana) of Elk Grove Village; three daughters, Judy (Rod) Niebrugge of Riviera Beach, Florida, Sue (Steve) Brent of Heyworth, and Cindy (Dean) Kremer of Teutopolis; 12 grandchildren, Kasi and Jake Helmink, Alyssa and Jordan Niebrugge, Travis and Derek Meyer, Leah and Adam Kremer, Clayton, Dylan and Emma Helmink, and Nora Helmink; one great-grandchild, Carsyn Helmink; brother, Larry (Connie) Helmink of Dieterich; two sisters, Ann (Frank) Hemmen of Teutopolis and Barb (Don) Deters of rural Teutopolis; sister-in-law, Barb Helmink of rural Teutopolis.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Joe Helmink.

We would like to thank everyone for your prayers and well wishes.