David Garner Helkenn

David Garner Helkenn of Des Moines, 78, was born on March 31, 1944, to Helen Hamilton in Centerville, Iowa. He spent his last days at EveryStep Kavanagh House where he passed away on January 13, 2023, surrounded by family, his wife Rachel at his side throughout. The family will greet friends Friday, January 20, 2023, from 1 pm to 2 pm with the memorial service to follow at 2 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street.

David married Rachel Sciarrotta on September 13, 1969, in Minnesota and shortly after returned to Iowa, where their children Jason and Nicole were born. Together they enjoyed fishing, camping, and being with family.

David attended high school at Roosevelt and Lincoln where he played football and was on the swim team. He had a range of careers and centered his work and life around logistics and transportation. He started as owner/operator in the trucking industry and was later employed by UPS, Wells Fargo and Lanter Courier as Operations Manager. He spent most of his free time in the garage where he refurbished cars for family members or to sell. David was innovative in his approach to building, repairing, and finding solutions. He made old cars look new again, crafted a heated doghouse, and built many things. David was an avid reader – the garage shelves were lined with books – and favored John Grisham and civil war novels.

He found much joy in being with his grandchildren. He loved watching Colton and Caden play baseball and football. He enjoyed Cambree’s softball games and Zenaida’s orchestra concerts and Carson’s go-kart races in Newton.

He will be missed by his surviving family, wife, Rachel (Sciarrotta) Helkenn; son, Jason (Susan) Helkenn and granddaughter, Zenaida; daughter, Nicole (Mike) Sanders and grandchildren, Colton, Caden, Cambree and Carson; siblings, Diane O’Rourke, Jeff Helkenn, Beth Heiberg (Elvin), and Molly McLaughlin; as well as many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.

David was preceded in death by his mother.

He will be remembered for his wit and dry sense of humor, his amazing head of hair, and interest in all things related to grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of David.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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