Raymond Carl Helling

Raymond Carl Helling passed away peacefully at Hillcrest Care Center in Wray, CO on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at the age of 87.

Raymond was born near Idalia, CO on January 31, 1936 to Carl H. and Marie (Brietmayer) Helling.  As a child, Raymond started his education in a one room schoolhouse and was fluent in both English and German.  After graduating from high school in Idalia, Raymond attended college at Colorado State College of Education in Greeley where he received a temporary teacher certificate in 1955 and began teaching math in Vernon, CO.  Raymond requested a leave of absence when he was called to serve in the military in 1959 and again in 1961.  After serving in the Army National Guard, he returned to college and received a Bachelor of Arts degree prior to accepting a teaching position at the Idalia School in 1967.

While teaching in Idalia, Raymond met the love of his life, Joyce Vannida, through a mutual friend who convinced him to ask her on a date, and they were married on December 27, 1970.  After the wedding, Raymond and Joyce moved into the Helling family homestead near Idalia, and soon thereafter he made the decision to leave teaching and pursue his desire to farm with his older brothers Edmund and Carl.  During this time, Raymond and Joyce were blessed with three children Kaylene, Kevin, and Kent.

Raymond was an active member of the congregation at St. John Church where he served as a youth leader for 30-years.  He was also a charter member and long-time treasurer of the Idalia Lions Club.  Raymond enjoyed the simple things in life which included spending time with his family, playing cards, and participating in community activities.  He was known for always having a smile on his face and lending a helping hand.

Raymond is survived by his wife Joyce Helling of Idalia, his daughter Kaylene Helling of Littleton, his son Kevin and wife Janessa, children Natalie, Carson, Kaitlyn, and Lindsey Helling, and son Kent and wife Autumn, child Kasen Helling, all of Idalia.  He is also survived by a niece and several nephews.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Carl H. and Marie Helling, brother Edmund and wife Roberta Helling, brother Carl and wife Leona Helling, father-in-law Ernest Vannida, mother-in-law Margarette Vannida and brother-in-law Earl Vannida.

Funeral services will be held at St. John Church in Idalia at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 with burial to follow at St. John Cemetery.  Services have been entrusted to Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home in Wray, CO.  Memorial contributions can be made to St. John Church and Hillcrest Care Center.