Wilbur J. Helmkamp

November 28, 1937 - April 2, 2022

Wilbur J. Helmkamp, age 84, of Moro, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at his residence. He was born on November 28, 1937, in Alton, Illinois, the son of the late Wilfred & Marie (Kuethe) Helmkamp. Wilbur operated the family grain & dairy farm in Moro for many years. They were known for their Registered Jersey dairy cattle. After he retired from farming, he went to work at the Woodlands Golf Course for another 20 years on the grounds crew. Wilbur is survived by his wife of 63 years, Patricia (Hawks) Helmkamp, whom he married on May 10, 1958, at the Neidringhaus Methodist Church in Granite City. He is also survived by two daughters, Sue Ellen Rayborn & husband Tom of Alton, Nancy Kessinger of Fosterburg; six grandchildren, Cristalle (Dustin) Turner, Nathanael (Christine) Rayborn, Stephanie Petroline, Anna (Keith) Meffert, Sarah (Steven) Warner, Emma (Dalton) Brake; 23 great grandchildren; two brothers, Richard Helmkamp & wife Pat of Lakeland, Florida; Les Helmkamp & Anna Marie Coultas of Moro. He was uncle to 8 nieces and nephews. Wilbur was a lifelong member of the St. John’s United Church of Christ in Midway. He was a proud alumni of the EHS Class of 1955, and served in the U.S. Navy Seabees from October of 1955 till November of 1958. He loved and raised quarter horses most of his life. Wilbur loved spending time with his family and attending all of their activities. A visitation will be held from 4 pm. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at St. John’s U.C.C. in Midway. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at the church with Rev. Lori Schafer officiating. Burial will be at the St. John’s U.C.C. Cemetery in Midway. The family requests memorials to St. John’s U.C.C. Weber & Rodney Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements..