In loving memory of

John "Jack" M Helenthal
April 3, 1940 - August 10, 2017

John "Jack" M. Helenthal, 77, of Keokuk, passed away on August 10, 2017, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.

John was born on April 3, 1940, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of John and Mildred McCardie Helenthal. On November 18, 1958, he was united in marriage to Sharleen Byrne. To this union was born four children: John, Julia, Robert and Sarah. John later married Mary Connie Lumley on July 26, 2000. She survives.

A lifelong resident of Keokuk, John was a graduate of the Keokuk High School Class of 1958, and was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Keokuk. John proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and later in the National Guard. He was a member of the American Legion Post 41 and served many years with the Keokuk Honor Guard. John worked at Hubinger for over twenty-five years before his retirement in 1996. He then began working for the city for another ten years, where he supervised work crews. He was also a part of the Keokuk Reserve Police Force for ten years. John was a strong supporter of his hometown. He was a football superstar in high school, and he continued to follow the Keokuk sports teams his entire life.

John is survived by his wife Connie Helenthal of Keokuk; four sons: John (Shannon) Helenthal, Robert (Peggy) Helenthal, Ivan (Gina) Parrish and John E. Land; three daughters: Julia (Ritchie) McDaniel, Sarah (Todd) Stuecker and Connie Lynn Parrish; and his grandchildren: John E. (Jessica) Helenthal, David (Sara) Helenthal, Chris (Jenny) Gooley, Sierra (Forrest) Wilkerson, Nicholas (Abbey) McDaniel, Amy (Joshua) Pihl, Amanda (Joshua) White, Ashley (Drake) Custer, Ashley Reittinger, Ryan Helenthal, Jonathan Miller, Chase Helenthal, Justin Miller, Syerra Huston, Savannah Huston, Skyler Huston, Spencer Huston, Austin Parrish, Chase Parrish, Payton Parrish, Kamryn Parrish, Karsyn Parrish and Johnny Land. Other survivors include twenty-three great-grandchildren and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

John is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Michael and Joseph, his great-granddaughter Elaina White, and aunts and uncles.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, at All Saints Catholic Church in Keokuk, with Father Robert Lathrop officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk. Visitation will be held on Monday from 3 to 8 PM, with family meeting friends from 6 to 8 PM at DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Centers at 917 Blondeau Street in Keokuk.

A memorial has been established to help send children to summer camp.

Tributes

Dotty Grossman wrote on Aug 16, 2017:

"Jack was a good friend of mine. We both attended St. Vincents and both went to Keokuk Senior High. He had such a good sense of humor and was a friend to all. Rest in peace Jack."

LaVola Hatton wrote on Aug 14, 2017:

"I am so sorry for your lost jack was always friendly and outgoing .He will be greatly missed love you all"

Cathy McMahon wrote on Aug 14, 2017:

"We have so many wonderful memories of our cousin Jack and how close he was to our father, uncle Bill Helenthal. Special times at Christmas, Thanksgiving and family picnics. Sister Paula Helenthal Cathleen (Helenthal) McMahon Joan (Helenthal) Cunningham"

K Kasiske wrote on Aug 14, 2017:

"SO sorry to hear about Jack. Fred kept me informed of his difficulties, but was saddened to learn of his death. I have such fond memories of our conversations whether over backyard fence or dinner table. Please accept my condolences, Connie and his family. "

Marsha & Gary Ramaker wrote on Aug 14, 2017:

"Jack and I always talked about our family's geneology. I truly enjoyed listening to his stories and seeing where his research led him. He found so many interesting details surrounding our family and he loved sharing them. Gary respected Jack's dedication to sports; our community; our police force; and his family. Jack was our friend. We will miss him. Sending our sympathy; thinking of all of you."

Brenda Huffman wrote on Aug 13, 2017:

"I loved waiting on Jack and Connie at HamFam. Jack always made me feel special by wanting to sit in my section so i could wait on him and Connie. He will be deeply missed at the restaurant. Brenda Huffman?"

Toni Lebeck. wrote on Aug 12, 2017:

"So sorry for your lose."

Toni Lebeck. wrote on Aug 12, 2017:

"So sorry for your lose."

Roger &Carol Gibson wrote on Aug 12, 2017:

"My days with Jack began at the old ST Vincent's Elementary School. And the later at Hubingers,we both retired the same year. Often we would stop for breakfast on the way to the golf course,Jack would order The Hungry Man special x2! He did enjoy his chow!! He was a lot of fun,,and had a great sense of humor, May he rest in peace,, "

Craig McManus wrote on Aug 12, 2017:

" Jack was our fullback during the 57 Chief's football season. If you just look at our record, there has never been a team in the history of the school that went undefeated, and we did just that. Jack was a leader. Later Jack and Jack Grogan and myself drove to Evansville, In. to honor our grade school nun who kept us all out of jail. It was her celebration of 60 years in the convent. It was the best "guys" trip I have ever taken. Rest in peace, teammate. Craig McManus Davenport, Iowa"

Ron Ketcham wrote on Aug 12, 2017:

"His gentle nature and caring ways. Always enjoyed chatting with him at our Cars and Coffee events."