David Ray Helmuth

Zoom link for memorial service: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3798171524?pwd=eWpFZUR6bDBFOG1zUXROclhERzRmZz09 or you may call (312)626 6799 and enter meeting ID# 379 817 1524.

David R. Helmuth, 85, of Goshen, Indiana, died peacefully on Saturday, September 26, 2020 of end-stage congestive heart failure and after many years of decline from vascular dementia.

David was born in Ohio in 1935 to Alvin and Elsie (Sommers). He married Naomi Ketcham in 1956 and, together, supplied an entire team for boys basketball with the births of Robin, Roy, Roger (d. 1976), Ray and Roland.

David served the church in many capacities for over 40 years. As a youth he taught Bible school and Sunday school in mission churches in Cleveland and Congo, Ohio. Under the Mennonite Board of Missions, Naomi and he ventured to Puerto Rico from 1961 to 1973. In addition to teaching, pastoring and directing the Mennonite Bible Institute, they made life long memories and friends with a broad range of islanders and mainlanders there for various opportunities. David and Naomi covet those years and those connections.

Upon returning to the US mainland, David and Naomi settled in the Middlebury and Goshen areas.  David worked for the Mennonite Board of Congregational Ministries, pastored at First Mennonite Church in Middlebury, East Goshen Mennonite Church and Faith Mennonite Church in Goshen.  David also furthered his training beyond college and seminary by completing his Clinical Pastoral Education. This helped prepare him in his role as a volunteer hospital hospice chaplain. David also drove a courier route and a shuttle bus as well as serving as overseer for Iglesia Mennonita del Buen Pastor in Goshen and served on several boards of organizations affiliated with the Indiana Michigan Mennonite Conference.

As you can tell, David did not sit still very much. He relished times to be out of doors including, camping, canoeing and connecting with friends. He especially liked fishing, which he did in many favorite lakes located in northern Indiana and Southern Michigan, in addition to Ontario and the Boundary Waters in Minnesota. In his later years he rode his 3-wheel bike as often and as far as he could. This provided him renewal, energy and independence.

David is survived by Naomi, his mutually devoted and mutually faithful wife of 64 years. Also, his four sons, four daughters- in-law (Deb, Stacy, Sonja and Cindy), numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren with more on the way. His eyes lit up with glee when around the little and not so little grandchildren and great grandchildren. They loved their Grandpa and Great Grandpa Helmuth!

David is also survived by his siblings William, Barbara, James and Carol. He was preceded in death by his son Roger, his parents, brothers Paul and Dale, brother in-law Bob and grandson Nathaniel David.

The family is extremely grateful for the patient and kind care David received while at Evergreen Place, Goshen Hospital, Dr. Lane Reed and colleagues, Greencroft Healthcare and Goshen Health hospice care.

Due to Covid-19, services will be very limited and by invitation only. Social distancing, wearing of mouth and nose coverings and limited physical contact is expected to protect all persons invited. The family appreciates your understanding, cooperation and support.

A family graveside service will be conducted Sat., Oct. 3 at Bontrager Cemetery, Middlebury.

A Zoom memorial service will be held at 12, noon, Sat. Oct. 3, at East Goshen Mennonite Church.  The public is invited to join in at 11:30 with the following link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3798171524?pwd=eWpFZUR6bDBFOG1zUXROclhERzRmZz09 or you may call (312)626 6799 and enter meeting ID# 379 817 1524.

Individuals or groups interested in honoring David can make a donation to Center for Healing and Hope 902 South Main Street Goshen, IN 46526; Mennonite Central Committee 21 South 12th St Akron, PA 17501; Mennonite Disaster Service 583 Airport Road Lititz, PA 17543; or Amigo Centre 26455 Banker Street Sturgis, Michigan 49091.