Memorials

William O.V. Helfrich, 86, formerly of Columbia City, died at 6:20 a.m. Friday, December 5, 2008, at Shepherd of the Hill Nursing Home in Kendallville where he had been a resident since October.
He was born February 12, 1922, in Whitley County, a son of Lyman Earl and Anna (Betzner) Helfrich. His formative years were spent in the Larwill area. He graduated from Larwill High School.
On September 22, 1942, he was inducted into the United States Army, serving in the American Theater during World War II. He was honorably discharged January 24, 1946.
On September 18, 1943, he was united in marriage to Betty J. Shook. They made their home in Montgomery, Alabama, for three years before moving to Whitley County. In 1971, they moved to Waterloo and lived there until 1984 when the moved to Fort Wayne. In October 1988, they moved into Columbia City. In 2001, they moved to the Peabody Home in North Manchester until 2005 when they returned to Columbia City. In June 2008, they moved to Auburn to live with their daughter, Lin.
He operated Mobil Oil Company in Columbia City from 1948 until 1966, V & H Oil Company from 1966 until 1971 and Dairy Queen in Waterloo from nine years.
A member of Columbia City United Methodist Church, he was also a member of American Legion Post #98.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Betty; a son, Richard L. “Rick” (JoAnn) Helfrich of Auburn; two daughters, Carol A. (Carlos) Buckles of Columbia City and Linda J. “Lin” Helfrich of Auburn; seven grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.
A brother, Frederick Gail Helfrich, preceded him in death.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 8, 2008, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Larwill. The visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
For those who wish, memorials may be made to American Heart Association.