JOHN HELMS

John Frederick Helms passed very peacefully into the presence of his Savior on November 18, 2014. John was born on April 7, 1919 in Neenah, Wisconsin to Fred W. Helms and Ernstine (Wauda) Helms. He lived in Neenah for most of his life graduating from Neenah High School in 1937. He graduated from Lawrence College (University) with a Bachelor's degree in 1941 and earned his Masters Degree in Organic Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin in 1943. Upon graduation he joined the Research Laboratories of American Can Company as a scientist in the Fibre Container Division. In 1944 John entered the U.S. Army as a member of the Army Special Forces, Special Engineer Detachment, Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. In 1945, the Special Engineer Detachment, Manhattan Project was awarded the Meritorius Service Unit Plaque and Star "for work essential to the production of the atomic bomb thereby contributing to the successful conclusion of WWII." Upon his discharge from service in December 1945 he returned to the American Can Laboratories. In 1947 he joined the Marathon Corp Research and Development Laboratory in Menasha, which eventually became the American Can Company Research and Development Laboratories. He remained there until his retirement in 1980 as an Associate Director of Research. John was an Emeritus member of the American Chemical Society, a past member of the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry and a member of the American Society for testing materials. In addition he was a member of chemical fraternity Phi Alpha Upsilon and Phi Kappa Tau. In 1946 he married Elma Elizabeth (Betty) Beeson whom he met in Oak Ridge Tennessee where both worked on the Manhattan Project. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty in 2013 and his son Thomas F. Helms. John is survived by a daughter, Mary Elizabeth Poliak (Dale) of Greenville; a granddaughter, Amy Elizabeth Burns (Eric); and a grandson, Adam Poliak (Abby Stroebel). He is further survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews. John was a lifetime member of Faith United Methodist Church, formerly the First Evangelical Church. He was a member of the choir for over 60 years. He taught Sunday School for many years and served as Sunday School Superintendent for several terms. He served as Chairman of the building Committee at the time the new church was built in 1981 and served on the Trustee Board at various times. The Wisconsin Conference of the United Methodist Church appointed him to the Commission on Pastors' equalized salaries and to the United Methodist Foundation for two terms. His church took precedence over his other activities. John's other major activities centered in the field of music. He took lessons on the violin at an early age and continued playing in musical combinations with his wife Betty. He was particularly fond of classical music and was a member of the Lawrence College Symphony, The Oak Park (Illinois) Symphony Orchestra, The Oak Ridge (Tennessee) Symphony, and was a Charter member of the Fox Valley Symphony, with which he played for 25 years. He performed with his wife for many occasions as a duo, trio, and quartet. He thoroughly enjoyed played his violin which was a Roth copy of the famous "Red Stradivarius". John was also a member of the Neenah Historical Society and served on the Board of Directors for several terms. He was President of the society when the Octagon House was acquired as the main office and as a home for history. Special thanks to Affinity Visiting Nurses, especially Michelle, Gina and Cindy. Thanks to Fox River Emeritus and Island Shores Assisted living for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in honor of the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra and Faith United Methodist Church in Neenah. A Memorial Service for John will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday December 13, 2014 at Faith United Methodist Church, 1025 Tullar Rd., Neenah, with Rev. Tim Albrecht officiating. A visitation will be held at church from 9:00 A.M. until the hour of service.