John L. “Jack” Helling, 87, of Fort Madison, IA died Monday, May 21, 2007 at Brighton Gardens in Rancho Mirage, CA.

   John was born April 15, 1920 in Fort Madison, IA to John R. and Theresa Mueller O. Helling.

   He married Mary Marjorie Delaney and they had six children: Joyce (Thomas) Vance of Burlington, IA; Elizabeth (Patrick) Heitz of Murfreesboro, TN; Nancy (Thomas) Tokheim of Rancho Mirage, CA; Roger (Amy) Helling of Fort Worth, TX; Patrick (Michele) Helling of Fort Madison and Tressa (Joseph) Masterson of Chicago, IL.

      Also surviving are sisters-in-law Eileen Delaney (Bert) Wiggenjost of West Point, IA; Helen Delaney and Verlee Delaney of Missouri; very dear friend, Doris (Dunn) Whalen of Quincy, IL.

   Proceeded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, his parents, and one brother, Raymond T. Helling.

   John was employed by E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company for 38 years, retiring in 1982. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a volunteer at Sacred Heart Church. He served in the Army Air Force during WWII.

   Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, May 25, 2007 at Sacred Heart Church in Fort Madison, IA. Reverend Thomas Parlette officiated. Burial was in the Gethsemane Cemetery in Fort Madison, IA.

   Jack Delaney of Baring, MO and Maggie Delaney from Columbia went to the visitation.

   Barbara Primm of Macon, Rita Ludden, Helen and Debbie Delaney of Kirksville and Verlee Delaney of Baring went to the funeral.