Clarence W. Helm, 72
Clarence W. Helm, 72, of Council Bluffs, passed away on Jan. 15, 2011.
Clarence Wessley Helm was born July 15, 1938. He was born in Oelwein, Iowa to Marion Frances and Lola Belle (Tyler) Helm. He served in the Navy from 1956 to 1962.
He married Charlene Peterson on Sept. 3, 1961, in Red Oak. They lived in the Bellevue, Neb. area for 32 years. During this time Clarence helped his brother Harold establish Helm’s Custom Craft Auto Body Shop. He became an adjuster/appraiser for Crawford and Co. He retired from Crawford and Co in 1993. While living in Bellevue, Clarence was a long time member of the Bellevue Rod and Gun Club. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and was a certified Arms Instructor. He taught the basic Rifle course at the Gun club for over 20 years. He was a reserve Police Officer for the city of Bellevue for 12 years.
When Clarence retired from Crawford and Co, He and Charlene moved to Evanston, Wyo. Clarence had always loved the mountains and finally got to live in the mountains. Clarence had always worked on cars and restored many. While in Evanston, he was a member of the Evanston Car Cruise group. He enjoyed taking his 1951 Frazer and 1965 Plymouth Fury III on cruises and shows.
He joined the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and enjoyed many activities there. He was a long time member of the Kaiser-Frazer Owners Club International group.
Clarence and Charlene moved back to Council Bluffs in March 2008 due to Clarence’s health and to be closer to family.
He was preceded in death by his parents Marion and Lola Helm, his parents in law Donald and Lyra Peterson and infant daughter Rene’ Colene.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years Charlene, daughters Colleen (Kent) Dawson, Cady Tebedo, son Chris (Shelley) Helm. Grand children- Chris (Megan) Dawson, Jeremiah Dawson, Sara (Terry) Kilburn, Tiffany Tebedo, Dalton Helm, Kelley Helm, and Kristy Helm. Great-grandchildren – Avalyna Dawson, T.J. Kilburn, and Payton Kilburn. Brothers – Harold L. Helm, Flash G. Helm and Robert L. Helm.
Clarence donated his body to the Anatomical Board for Medical Research. There will be a celebration of Life ceremony on July 15, 2012. Memorials to Aseracare Hospice and to Boy Scouts Troop 470.