Anton Helmer, 80, died on Thursday, July 25, 2002 at Oakland Park Nursing Home in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral service will be at Johnson~Green Funeral Home, Thief River Falls, Minnesota, on Saturday, July 27, 2002 ~ 1:30 PM, with Reverend Tim Bauer officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be from 12 Noon to 1:30 PM Saturday at the funeral home.

Anton Emil Helmer was born on February 4, 1922 on the family farm in Kandiyohi County, the son of Albert and Mary (Hanson) Helmer. He was baptized into the Lutheran Faith and attended country school.

He worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp in the Grand Rapids area. In 1941 Anton and Hazel Carlson of St. Hilaire were united in marriage. Anton married Eileen Carlson in 1952 in Thief River Falls. The couple made their home in Wyandotte Township, Pennington County, where he farmed and worked road construction, retiring in 1983.

In his retirement he traveled to visit his family and friends. He moved to Greendale Manor in 1984 and has resided there since. Anton was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers (49ers), and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Anton is survived by his children Connie (Terry) Whittenbaugh of MacGregor, IA, Gayle (Jack) Prola of Minneapolis, MN, Karen of California, Bruce Helmer of California, Larry (Donna) Helmer of Massachusetts, Rita (Mark) Jyrkas of St. Paul, MN; 8 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren and brother Julius (Marion) Helmer of St. Louis Park, MN.

He was preceded in death by parents, 7 brothers and sisters Nels, Melvin, Ray, Hazel, Myrtle, Edna and Marcella.