COLUMBUS, INDIANA
Ralph Kenneth Helander, 73, a resident of Columbus, Indiana, passed from this life peacefully with family by his side at 3:45 p.m. Friday, March 26, 2021 at the Columbus Regional Hospital.
Mr. Helander was born March 16, 1948, in Sandwich, Illinois, the son of Frank Carl Helander Sr. and Lorretta Anne Bates Helander. On August 6, 1991, Ralph married Kelly S. Edwards, she survives.
Mr. Helander was a U.S. Army veteran serving in Germany. He operated an Army tank in the Armored Division, he was honorably discharged May 20, 1970.
A professional chef, Mr. Helander worked at Lemley’s Catering, Home Folks and the Columbus Elks Lodge. Some of his hobbies include fishing, camping and gardening and he enjoyed cooking in his free time. He was a great storyteller and artist.
Mr. Helander is survived by his wife of 29 years, Kelly; sons, Kenneth R. Helander of Pontiac, Illinois, Benjamin Wesley Helander of Pontiac, Illinois and Matthew Helander of Columbus,; stepdaughter, Laura Sue Mundy of New Albany, Indiana; siblings, Bob Helander of Woodland, Colorado, Kathy McDonald of Peru, Illinois, Frank Helander of Mechanicsville, Illinois, Dwayne (Kitty) Helander of Toledo, Illinois, Ron (Brenda) Helander of Cornell, Illinois, Linda (Don) Korrecta of Pontiac, Illinois, Debbie Helander of Odell, Illinois and Jeff (Amanda) Helander of Taft, Texas; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Mr. Helander was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Lorretta Anne Helander Sr. and sisters, Karen Brady and Janice Helander.
In keeping with Mr. Helander’s wishes, cremation will take place. There are no services planned. Inurnment will take in the Magnolia Cemetery in Magnolia, Illinois.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family, please make checks payable to Matthew Helander, cards are available at the funeral home.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at barkesweaverglick.com.
Arrangements were entrusted to Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home and Crematory.
