Ronald F. Helmbrecht

Ronald Frederick Helmbrecht, age 69, of Lytton, Iowa, passed away Sunday, August 15, 2004, at his home surrounded by his family.

Ronnie was born March 26, 1935, on the family farm near Lytton, Calhoun County, the son of Fred and Augusta (Scharn) Helmbrecht. He was baptized April 7, 1935, and confirmed March 21, 1948, at Emanuel-St. John Lutheran Church in Lytton. He grew up on the family farm attending country school, Williams Township No. 7, and graduating from Lytton Community School in 1953. On January 7, 1954, Ronnie was inducted into the U.S. Army, 175th Engineer Corps, earning the rank of Sp3 (T), and awarded a National Defense Service Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (Germany), and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged on December 21, 1955.

Ronald and Elsie Mae (Scheffler) were united in marriage at the First Christian Church in Sac City on December 12, 1954. They were blessed with four children: Kimberly, Sherry, Maryl, and Timothy. Ronnie always loved the farm and farm life. After his military service he returned home and continued farming on the family farm. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, his apple orchard, playing cards with his friends and family, traveling, and sharing Christmas cheer with children and neighbors. His family has many special memories of their fishing trips, family vacations, and especially celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary in Branson, Missouri.

Survivors include his loving wife, Elsie; his children: Kimberly Sue Lager and husband Kenneth of Bedford, IA, Sherry Ann Helmbrecht of Abilene, TX, Maryl Lyn Sponder and husband Thomas of Sioux City, IA, and Timothy Fred Helmbrecht and wife Kimberly of Maquoketa, IA; and his nine grandchildren: Kurt and Kyle Lager, Devyn, David, and Sarah Sponder, and Tiffany, Austin, Gabrielle, and Arianna Helmbrecht. His sister, Elvira Peters and husband Warren of Newell, IA; brother-in-law, Eugene Scheffler and wife Diane and family of Manson, IA; extended family members; and many friends also survive him.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Augusta Helmbrecht, and his uncle, Walter Helmbrecht.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 18, 2004, 10:30 am, at Emanuel-St. John Lutheran Church in Lytton with Pastor Wayne Pfannkuch officiating. Rick Hecht will provide special music accompanied by Kay Scharn. Jean Sarchet, Dawn Miller, Becky Scheffler, and Mary Meyers will take care of the flower arrangements. Honorary pallbearers include: Devyn Sponder, David Sponder, Sarah Sponder, Gabrielle Helmbrecht, and Arianna Helmbrecht. Pallbearers will be the following: Kurt Lager, Kyle Lager, Tiffany Helmbrecht, Austin Helmbrecht, Jeff Scharn, and Brian Scheffler. Hutchinson-Liechty American Legion Post No. 546 of Lytton will present the flag. Burial will be at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, rural Lytton, with Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 17th, 4:00 – 8:00 pm, at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City.