Margaret Helmlinger

Biography

Margaret Jean Helmlinger, 87, passed away at 10:40 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015, at Wapakoneta Manor Nursing Home where she had been a resident for three days.

She was born on May 18, 1927, in Port Jefferson, the daughter Ivan and Ruth (Lorton) Swinehart. On May 17, 1947, she married Ralph E. Helmlinger, who survives. She was looking forward to celebrating her 68th wedding anniversary this year.

Maggie, as her friends knew her, was a retired farmer and homemaker. She graduated from Jackson Center High School in 1945 where she was the class salutatorian. She was a life-long member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, and a member of the Women of the Church Circle 3 and a leader of the Junior Mission Band. She was a former organist for the church. She also was a former member of the Order of Eastern Star, Jackson Center. Maggie loved to spend her spare time crocheting afghans for family and friends.

Survivors also include two children, Kathy (Robert) Gearing of Wapakoneta and Keith (Pamela) Helmlinger of Jackson Center; four grandchildren, Natalie Ramono (Charles) of Dublin, Miles (Nicole) Gearing of Piqua, Katie Helmlinger of Chicago, and Graham Helmlinger of Jackson Center; four great-grandchildren, Megan, Caroline, and Michael Ramono, and Dylan Gearing; a great aunt, Mary Lorton of Sidney; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Esther Regula and close friends, John and Ella Metz.

Services to celebrate Maggie’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 16, 2015 at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jackson Center with Pastor Kent Hollis officiating. Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Port Jefferson.

Friends may call at the church from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 15th and one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Eichholtz, Daring and Sanford Funeral Home, Jackson Center, is in charge of arrangements.