Emil Helbling, Jr.

Emil Helbling, Jr. 84, of Goshen, died Tuesday morning, September 13, 2011, in Elkhart after a year and a half battle with cancer. He was born July 19, 1927 in Elkhart to the late Emil and Elsie (Long) Helbling. He married Norma Jean Stickel April 22, 1951, in Elkhart. She preceded him in death on August 26, 2000. Surviving are a daughter; Linda (Gary) Ganger of Uniontown, Ohio; a son, Douglas (Debbie) Helbling of Elkhart; three sisters; Mary (Rex) Clippinger of Plymouth, Donna Patton of Goshen, and Judy (Greg) Swihart of Elkhart; and a brother, Cal (Florence) Helbling of Goshen. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth and Robert Helbling. A lifelong area resident, Mr. Helbling worked for 32 years at Excel Rubber, where he did polishing and buffering. A member of Little Pine Church of the Brethren, he was an Army veteran and enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, going to auctions and spending time with his family. Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, September 15, and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Friday. An 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 16, 2011, funeral service will be conducted at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home with Pastor Tom Clark officiating. Burial will follow at Olive West Cemetery, Wakarusa. Memorials may be made to Goshen Care at Home Hospice.