John Lee Helmer

John Lee Helmer died peacefully on August 20th, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife Yvonne Helmer (née Trudell), of Arizona/Las Vegas, son John Michael Helmer of North Carolina, son Kevin Helmer of New Jersey, daughter Julie Musante (née Helmer) of Massachusetts, son Paul Helmer of Arizona, daughter Lee Helmer of Chicago, along with many grandchildren, in-laws, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother Emily Helmer (née Obas), his father John Joseph Helmer, and his sister Barbara Gerhardt (née Helmer). He was born on August 15th, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois, graduated from St. Celestine grade school (Elmwood Park), St. Patrick's High School (Chicago) in 1960, Loyola University (Chicago) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, and a Masters in Business Administration at Northern Illinois University. His career focused on early computers, technology and became an IT director.

He married his wife Yvonne on September 4th, 1965, whom he first met in grade school. John and Yvonne started their family in Oakland, California, while Yvonne was a US Navy nurse during the Vietnam War. After their first son John Michael was born, they moved back to Chicago, settling in the suburb of Berkeley, Illinois. At one point in time, John's sister Barbara lived one block over, and Yvonne's sister Patricia lived on another block, allowing the 3 young families to support each other.

After all 5 of John and Yvonne's children were born, they lived in the western suburb of St. Charles for 10 years. John's job allowed him to relocate to Arizona. After moving to Cave Creek, Arizona, he visited Las Vegas many times and eventually bought a retirement home there, inviting many friends and relatives to visit. He hosted many margarita parties, and while at the casinos, he would play craps to "win dinner" and treat his guests to a meal with his winnings. He also summered in Gig Harbor, Washington in retirement with his wife, making friends and enjoying the northwest temperate climate off the Puget Sound.

John was proud to have 12 grandchildren and many in-laws that survived him: His son John Michael and wife Kim, children Cassidy, Emilee, Courtney and Brooke. His son Kevin and wife Athena, children Anya, Kex and Anhi. His daughter Julie and husband Mark Musante, children Alex, Samantha, and Isaac. His son, Paul and companion, Erin Edwards. His daughter Lee and husband Patrick, children Annabel and Abraham.
A celebration of life will be hosted in Phoenix, Arizona in the coming months (insert website link)

In lieu of flowers, please refer donations to John's favorite charities: the ACLU or the American Heart Association.

[ACLU: ACLU.org](https://aclu.org)
[AMA: Heart.org](https://heart.org)

***Attending the Celebration of Life (Dec 2023 - Phoenix)***
John's internment + Celebration of Life will be held in person in December of 2023 in Phoenix. We may have a virtual ceremony or a video, so sign up to this site for updates.

If you are an immediate or extended family member, please visit this web page for details on attending this event in person. https://www.helmerfest.com

The password is the first name of John's youngest child. For questions about this event, please contact us using the contact form.