Clarence 'Matt' W. Helm

HELM, Clarence "Matt" W.
of Portage, Michigan Matt passed away early Thursday morning, November 15, 2012 at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence. He was born on October 19, 1930 in Hollandale, Minnesota, to the late Earl and Reva Norman Helm. On June 10, 1948, Matt enlisted with the United States Navy where he served 5 years. On June 28, 1952, he was united in marriage to Isabelle Heil in Marshalltown, Iowa. Upon his discharge from the Navy, Matt enlisted with the United States Air Force, where he served 15 years until retirement from the military. He then worked for National Waterlift Company in Kalamazoo for the next 14 years. He was a member of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church and the American Legion. Matt enjoyed traveling in his RV, flying gliders and radio controlled piper cubs. Surviving are his two daughters, Sandra Helm of Ann Arbor and Brenda Scott Woodward of Vicksburg; seven grandchildren, Stefan Stolarchuk, Zosia Stolarchuk, Harmony Marc Battreall, Jamie Hushower, Melody Goodacre, Jennifer Goodacre and Caleb Woodward; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Richard Virginia Helm of Owasso, OK; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his wife of 48 years, Isabelle Helm and two brothers, Francis and Robert Helm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Monday, Nov. 19, at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1150 W. Centre Avenue. Interment and military honors will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 2-5 PM on Sunday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Avenue. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to West Michigan Cancer Center or a charity of one's choice.