Glen Helms, 92, of Huntley, went home to be with the Lord peacefully on August 19, 2020 in his home, surrounded by family. Glen was born in Marion, Illinois on December 17, 1927 to parents Roy and Alice (Burns) Helms. He attended a one-room schoolhouse from second through fourth grade grade, taught by a part-time police officer. The family later moved to Bensenville where Glen attended high school and was the first athlete at his school to letter in four varsity sports in one year. Glen joined the army in 1946 and qualified as a paratrooper at Fort Benning, Georgia. After his discharge Glen attended Wheaton College where he competed in baseball and wrestling, and earned his undergraduate degree in education. Glen later received his graduate degree from Northern Illinois University and thoroughly enjoyed his more than 30-year career as a physical education teacher, coach, elementary and junior high principal with District 62 in Des Plaines. Glen met Jeannine Babcock at a church event, and after sweeping her off her feet, they were married on June 25, 1949. Glen and Jeannine enjoyed a wonderful life together filled with faith, service to others, family, friends, laughter and more softball than Jeannine ever could have imagined. Glen is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Jeannine Helms, his children, Tom (Paula) Helms, and Kristy (Bruce) Kratky, his grandchildren, Andrew (David) Helms, Eric Helms, Emily (Devin) Goulding, Staci Helms, Kim Kratky, and Ashley Kratky, his great-grandchildren, Cecelia Berg and Kilian Benaiges-Helms, his siblings, Dave (Barb) Helms, and Ron (Marilyn) Helms, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. He was preceded in death by siblings Loudean (Marion) Martin, and Richard (Carol) Helms. Visitation will be Saturday, September 12, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Covid-19 restricted, private celebration of Glen’s life at 11:00 a.m. at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.For the health and safety of the family and guests please sanitize your hands upon entering the building, wear a mask while indoors, maintain social distancing of 6 feet and please refrain from hugs (save them for later) and handshakes.
In lieu of flowers and to honor Glen’s lifelong passion for youth, donations to Timber Bay are appreciated. Glen and Jeannine have supported Timber Bay, where their son-in-law Bruce works, for many years. Staff members form life-long relationships with at-risk 7th-12th graders to help them create deep, healthy connections with peers and mentors through community programs, camps and adventure trips. More information can be found at www.timberbay.org.
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 orconolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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Glen was a great guy. I played softball with Glen. He taught me and others a lot. He will be missed.
What a kind and gentle being. Worked with him at Algonquin. He was an inspiration to all who had the pleasure to meet him.
Hearts are full. Such a triumphant life of love and service. Thankful to have known him as family all my life. He is now being rewarded in heaven. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Rest in peace Glen. I was fortunate to have attended Pow Wow Day camp in the late 50s where Glen taught me to swim (and so much more). Glen and Jeanine touched the lives of so may people in Des Plaines. I'm so grateful to have known you.
I was Blessed to know Glen through a family friendship with Rich and Lucy Christensen. I married into the Family through Linda Christensen, who with her mom and dad, spent many vacations with the Helm's family. I visited with Glen just before the Covid 19 outbreak. I had brought Raymond Ralston along with as Jeannine had invited us over for dinner. Even in Hospice care, Glen was smiling as we shared memories!! My condolences to a wonderful family as they have sent Glen on ahead to the waiting "Arms of Jesus"!!! What a comfort in these times of Grief!!!
To: The Helms family. May God care for you with hope and healing through this your grief journey. And may you find hope through the multiple and beautiful memories of one of God’s wonderful children. Dick & Carmen Oas
I am so saddened to hear of Glen's passing so long after the fact. My condolences to the entire family. I always remember Glen with a smile and kindness in his eyes.