Roy W. Helmka

Roy Woodruff Helmka, 87, passed away peacefully in his sleep, Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at the Prestige Place in Clare. He was born July 25, 1928 in Flint and was raised in the Farwell and Marion area by his adoptive parents, Charles and Lillian Helmka. He leaves his children James (Linda) Helmka, Charles (Mechelle) Helmka, Mariann (Paul) Santa Maria, Roy M. Helmka, Keith (Wendy) Helmka, Diann (Carl) Nowland, and Jamie Kocur. He also leaves many grandchildren and great grand children, and many close friends. Roy was preceded in death by his parents, wife Shirley Rose Helmka, wife Ilene Kay Helmka, and son Joseph (Sharon) Patrick Helmka. He married Shirley Rose Clemente on July 31,1949 and his life revolved around family and his work in the Retail Grocery business. After the death of his wife Shirley he found the second love of his life Ilene Kay Kocur and they were married on February 10, 1972. Later in life he always loved joking and having fun with his Grandchildren and loved to make them laugh. He purchased a small party store in near Marion, Chuck's Corner where he bought and sold groceries and produce. Roy worked for the majority of his life for supermarkets; Big Bear, Wrigley, Ray's Food Fair, and Giant. He was a hard worker and knew the business inside and out. Roy had a passion for making a good deal with his vendors but always treated them fairly. He loved seeing his customers everyday and he would do anything for them. He always said "If you sell what your customers want to buy you will always be successful so listen to what they have to say". He always took pride in his business, but truly relished the friends he made along the way. Roy will be greatly missed and always loved by his family and friends. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 6, 2015 at the Clare Chapel of Stephenson Wyman Funeral Home, 1005 N. McEwan St., Clare, from 5 pm until 8 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 7, 2015 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 811 E. Oliver St., Owosso at 11 am with Father Michael O'Brien officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Paul Catholic Cemetery in Owosso. on-line guestbook at www.stephenson-wyman.com

Roy W. Helmka

July 25, 1928 - December 1, 2015