Lester Helm

Lester Jay Helm passed away on August 15th, 2018. He was born into the loving family of Shell and Irene Helm on October 15th, 1946. Lester was a middle child of 13 siblings; Richard, Helen, Dorothy, Florence, Ralph, Leona, Frank, Harvey, Joe, Roberta, Katherine and Shelleena.
Lester grew up in Des Moines and attended Altoona High School. He was active in Football, Basketball and Baseball. He had a 500 hitting average he was very proud of. Lester graduated in 1964 and joined the US Army. He spent his young adulthood Farming and later moved to Montezuma, Iowa.
He married Gail Isserstedt on August 29th, 1981. They returned to the Mingo/Bondurant area where Lester worked for Helena Chemical until purchasing the family business, Standard Imaging.
Lester was blessed with three children, Butch Helm (Kristi), Matt Helm (Carol) and Alesa Pierce (Jason). He was a loving step-father to Michael Olesen (Debbie), Erik Olesen (Kami) and BJ Olesen (Kristy). One of Lester’s greatest joys was spending time and attending events with his 18 grandchildren. He was also a great-grandfather of four.
He and Gail had spent many winters in Apache Junction, Arizona during their retirement, meeting great friends and making memories. He was an avid woodcarver, Boston Celtics supporter and die-hard Cubbies fan. He was so happy to see them win a World Series.
Lester will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 37 years and all who he touched with his thoughtful and generous heart.
Lester was proceeded in death by his parents and siblings Richard, Helen, Florence and Dorothy.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Services will be held at the Hamilton’s Funeral Home in Altoona. Visitation on Sunday from 2:00pm – 4:00pm. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 10:00am with burial at the Helm family cemetery in Hedrick, Iowa.

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