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Kenneth A. Helms, 90 Kenneth A. Helms, 90, formerly of Arrowhead Road in the town of Grafton, went to his heavenly home on Sunday, July 17, 2011, at Lasata Care Center, where he had been residing for the last few years. Ken was born on the family farm in town of Grafton on Nov. 30, 1920, the son of Fred and Marie (nee Blank) Helms. He attended Grafton High School and later went on to the University of Wisconsin-Madison graduating from the School of Agriculture. Ken was united in marriage with Marjorie Buchanan on June 29, 1946, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grafton. They settled on the family farm and later purchased it in 1948, naming it Avonstead Farms. It was there that Ken and Marge dedicated their lives to farming, raising their family and developing one of the top purebred Holstein herds in the county. Ken served his community by serving on various committees. Ken was on the board of directors for Golden Guernsey Dairy Cooperative, East Central/Select Sires Cooperative, Holstein Freishen Association, Ozaukee County Fair and had served as supervisor for the town of Grafton. He was a dairy leader for the Cloverleaf 4-H club, promoting his love and knowledge of raising and showing purebred dairy cattle. He enjoyed the days spent every year at the county and state fairs where he and his family showed their cattle. Ken was a lifetime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grafton where he served as an elder and as a member of the school board. He also was a member of the building committee that was instrumental in planning and building the new church. Ken enjoyed "making a joyful noise" to the Lord as a member of the male choir. Ken is survived by his loving wife, Marge; their four children, Thomas (Sherry) Helms of Athelstane, Kathleen (Thomas) Lubner of Grafton, Paul (friend Gail Carlson) of Grafton and Kristine (Patrick Doyle) Helms of Germantown. He is further survived by six grandchildren, Sarah (James) Blankenburg, Jonathon (Jaime) Lubner, Benjamin Lubner, Andrew Doyle, Adam Helms and Matthew Helms; one great-granddaughter, Adalynn Blankenburg; one sister, Marjorie (Arthur) Viesselmann of Grafton, one sister-in-law, Shirley Helms of Grafton; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Marion (the late Howard) Swatek, and his brother, Frederick "Skip" Helms. Funeral Services will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 701 Washington St., Grafton. Pastor Kenton Wendorf will officiate the service. The family will receive visitors at the church on Thursday form 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Memorials are suggested to St. Paul Lutheran Church. The Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com |