John (Johan) Jacob Helmus was born September 24, 1931, to Dirk Helmus and Jantze Bakker Helmus at Middlestum, the Netherlands. He entered his heavenly home December 6, 2020, at the age of 89 years.
As a child he attended a Christian grade school. His church youth group found him actively presenting topics and taking part in skits. In his teens he was apprenticed to a clockmaker for a while and worked for several farmers. Because of lack of work in the Netherlands, the day after his 19th birthday he set sail for the United States with his mother’s parting words “Don’t forget Jesus” resounding in his mind.
He arrived finally in Grand Rapids, MI, and immediately worked hard to learn the English language. When a job on the farm didn’t work out because of his allergies, he worked in a large club in Grand Rapids doing janitorial work. He loved his adopted country very much and became a naturalized citizen. He felt God leading him to study for the ministry.
After receiving a college diploma from Northwestern Junior College in Orange City, IA, and an honorary diploma from NW Classical Academy he continued his education at Hope College and Western Theological Seminary both in Holland, MI.
On June 15, 1956, he married the love and light of his life, Elaine Hesselink. To this union were born eight children. With his wife Elaine, John served churches in Canada, South Dakota, Iowa, Omaha Indian Reservation in Nebraska, and New York.
They retired to Aplington and later moved to Jefferson to be closer to family. John enjoyed reading about Abraham Lincoln, gardening, bird watching, and bicycling.
John “never forgot Jesus” and was a faithful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. The words the master told his servant in the Bible can surely apply to John. “You have been a good and faithful servant.”
He is survived by Elaine, his wife of 64 years; his children Bryan Helmus of Des Moines, Calvin (Jaime) Helmus of Rock Valley, Rita (Mark) Rasmussen and Laura Helmus (Larry Dowd) of Jefferson, Ivan Helmus of Waukee, Yvonne (Tod) Uhlenhopp of Clear Lake, Coreen (Dave) Herring of Carlisle, and Rose (Alan) Weber of South Sioux City, NE. John loved his 15 grandchildren and their spouses and his 21 great-grandchildren (with 5 more on the way) great grandchildren brought him much joy. He is survived by his sister Coba Boersema; sister-in-law Arendina Helmus in the Netherlands; and numerous nieces and nephews in the Netherlands and Canada.
Those preceding him in death were his daughter Melody Helmus and one great-grandchild. Also preceding him in death, were his parents; brothers Henk, Jacob, and Dirk; sister Jellie Hoeksema; and brothers-in-law Hank Boersema and Harm Hoeksema.
Memorial services with family members only present were conducted Dec. 12, by Rev. Scott Summers at Central Christian Church, Jefferson, with burial at the Jefferson Municipal Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to your favorite charity.
Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home is assisting the family.
