Leroy D. “Junior” Helmle, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024, at the age of 77 at Genesis Medical Center, East Campus, in Davenport, Iowa. Born on February 22, 1947, in Bellevue, Iowa, Junior was the beloved son of LeRoy H. and Erma (Feller) Helmle. He spent his formative years in the Springbrook area, where he developed a strong work ethic.

Junior’s journey led him to a fulfilling career as a welder at John Deere, where he dedicated 30 years before retiring in 2002. His professional life began after completing his early education, initially working as a farmhand, it was during this time that he met the love of his life, Pamela Watters. The couple united in marriage on November 11, 1967, in Maquoketa, Iowa, and were blessed with three children: Lisa, Doug, and Darin. The family made their home in Maquoketa.

Junior was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Club, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, both in Maquoketa. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as his love for horses. In retirement, Junior continued to embody the spirit of service by farming and lending a helping hand to those in need.

Those left to honor his memory include his devoted wife, Pam Helmle of Maquoketa, IA; his children, Lisa (Rod) Jacobs of Springbrook, IA, and Doug (Carrie) Helmle of Davenport, IA. His legacy continues through his three grandchildren, Jenee (Philip) Johnston, Brandon (Andrea) Jacobs, and Evelyn Helmle, as well as his two great-grandchildren, Finnegan LeRoy Johnston, and Darin Sunday Jacobs. Junior’s memory will also be treasured by his siblings, Terry Helmle of Preston, IA, Virgil (Jenale) Helmle of Preston, IA, Wayne Helmle of Preston, IA, Carol Gerlach of Springbrook, IA, Lavonne (Kevin) Nemmers of Springbrook, IA, and Kathy (Michael) Anderson of Preston, IA; sisters-in-law, Mary Helmle of Clinton, IA, and Darlene Helmle of Springbrook, IA; and his numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Darin on May 29, 2001, and his brothers Mark, Allen, and Clyde.

A funeral mass celebrating his life will be held at 11:30 A.M., Friday, November 22, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M., Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a LeRoy D. “Junior” Helmle memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.