Alvin Helin

Send Flowers Alvin L. Helin June 24, 1922 - August 9, 2015 Obituary for Alvin Leroy Helin Alvin Leroy Helin was born on June 24, 1922 to Gotfred Claus and Harriet Henretta Helin of rural Brewster.  He went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 9, 2015 at the age of 93 years.  One of 5 children growing up in Depression times, Alvin was notoriously ornery and happy-go-lucky. His brother Mike was his partner in crime. He grew up on the family farm, living at one point in a sod house. He attended and graduated from Brownville High School. While times were often hard, he never let his situation affect his sunny disposition. He met Allie Marie Lewallen when she was playing in a tennis match for Winona High School. She was not an easy catch, but Alvin’s motto was: “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again until you do succeed!” Needless to say, he succeeded and they were married June 18, 1943. Alvin served in the Army from the 14th of October, 1942 until he was honorably discharged on November 6th, 1945. He was a tank mechanic in the 44th Tank Battalion, in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The majority of his service occurred in the Phillipines and New Guinea. He rarely spoke of his wartime experiences. In 1947, the first of three children arrived. Daryl Ann was soon followed by Gerald Alan (Jerry) and Andrea Sue. While growing up, they remember their dad’s love for horses. There always seemed to be a family dog. He loved to tickle his kids and grandkids until they were breathless with giggles and laughter. They remember hanging mail at the depot for The Rocket to snag on its’ way by. Fond memories include family vacations to Colorado with an annual trip to Lakeside Amusement Park in Denver. After discharge, Alvin and Allie returned to the Brewster area. He went to work in the Coop Hardware Store and later for the Postal Service. He served as the Brewster Postmaster for 33 years. Alvin worked a second job mowing lawns around town and employed many young people to help him. He was always a cheerful worker and often could be heard whistling to himself as he labored. Because retirement was not in his wheelhouse, Alvin began carrying mail to the rural residences around Brewster and Edson. With Allie often riding along, he faithfully completed his “appointed rounds” despite inclement weather, muddy roads and countless flat tires.   Perhaps the most important undertaking of his life was the care of Allie as she became weakened by illness. She suffered for many years and he remained steadfast at her side, giving her love and encouragement until she succumbed in 2011. They were married 68 years. Alvin was baptized on March 4, 1944 at the Lutheran Service Center in Abilene, Texas. Alvin and Allie were charter members of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Brewster and they remained active in the church throughout their lives.  Alvin was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. Many words have been used to describe Alvin by family, friends and community. He was “a member of the greatest generation”… “a class act”. He was “one in a million”... “generous to a fault”… “always kind to me”… “He helped me…”. In his later years at Fairview Estates, he enjoyed playing games and cards as he could never really stay idle and he loved to visit. He also loved to watch and cheer for Royals Baseball and Jayhawk Basketball. His grandkids recall that they could not end a visit to Grandpa and Grandma’s house without twenty bucks in their pocket, a tank full of gas and a belly full of root beer, bologna and butter sandwiches and lots of sugary sweets. Left to mourn his loss are Daryl Ann and husband Russell Jorgensen of Brewster, Andrea Sue and husband Bill Metzler of Barboursville, Virginia, Gerald Alan (Jerry) and wife Doris Helin of Colby. He is also survived by brothers-in-law Bob Fisher of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Bob Lewallen of Winona, and sister-in-law Carol Helin of Knoxville, Tennessee. He leaves behind 8 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents and his beloved wife, his sisters Luella Beckner, Wilma Beckner and Edith Fisher, brother, Mike Helin and two infant brothers, Orville and Kenneth. He also mourned the death of many siblings-in-law: Ed Beckner, Cecil Beckner, Rayonelle Helin, Jeanine Lewallen, Earl and Maxine (Lewallen) Dawes, Harold and Louise (Lewallen) Palmgren, Frances and Lucille Lewallen, Bob and Pauline (Lewallen) Baird and Clair and Doris (Lewallen) Knox and Irene Knox. He will also meet in Heaven his step-grandson, Tyler Warren. The following inscription from “The Letter” by Dr. Charles W. Eliot, former Harvard President, was slightly modified by President Woodrow Wilson before carving in the white granite of the Washington, D.C. Post office, now home to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Postal Museum: Messenger of Sympathy and Love Servant of Parted Friends Consoler of the Lonely Bond of the Scattered Family Enlarger of the Common Life Carrier of News and Knowledge Instrument of Trade and Industry Promoter of Mutual Acquaintance Of Peace and of Goodwill among Men and Nations Alvin Helin was an embodiment of these traits. He was a man of God and a devoted life partner. He was a good neighbor. He was a dutiful soldier. He was a cherished friend. He was a figurehead, a constant unwavering pillar of support and love for his family and his spirit will live on in their lives. As we bid him a sweet farewell, we know we will see him again in Heaven someday and we thank God for the precious gift of his life.