William "Rick" Frederick Helmich
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Visitation Schedule
Zion Lutheran Church-Avilla
Avilla East Road
Avilla Community, AR  72002
Monday, December 29, 2014
10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.
Service Schedule
Avilla Zion Lutheran Church
300 Avilla E.
Alexander, AR  72202
Monday, December 29, 2014
11:00 A.M.
Cemetery
Avilla Zion Cemetery
300 Avilla E.
Alexander, AR  72022
William "Rick" Frederick Helmich

of Alexander, AR

June 4, 1953 - December 23, 2014

William Frederick ''Rick'' Helmich, 61, of Avilla, went to be home with the Lord on December 23, 2014.

He was born on June 4, 1953 in Little Rock, Arkansas to the late William Frederick and Laura Lee Mackey Helmich of Avilla, Arkansas.

Rick spent his childhood on the family dairy farm and graduated from Bryant High School. He attended Arkansas Tech University and graduated with a degree in geology (1975). He continued his education and earned his Master's (geology and geophysics) at University of Missouri. After graduation, he moved to Tulsa, OK to follow the oil business, then on to Aurora, Colorado. Rick returned to Arkansas in 2005.

Over the years, Rick was a geophysicist, computer systems analyst/programmer, and geology teacher. His love for geology was obvious with his many trips looking for the perfect geode.

In recent years, many knew him from his trips to science fiction conventions. Rick was a member of Central Arkansas Speculative Fiction Writer's Group and the Little Rock Science Fiction Society. Rick was also known for his love of being a ''filker'' who would break into a loud ballad around the science fiction and fantasy world. He was a published writer and received awards for his short stories.

Rick was baptized on July 12, 1953 at the same church (Zion Lutheran Church) that will celebrate his life in Christ on Monday. Rick was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church choir and volunteered his time to the church working on the church's website.

Rick was the beloved father of William Frederick Helmich III and special friend to Paula Fischer Helmich, both of Aurora, Colorado; stepfather to Lisa Lee (Greg) of Phoenix, Arizona and Cindy Hopkins of Monument, Colorado; brother of James Helmich (Susan), Eileen Helmich, Lee Helmich, and Chris Helmich (Connie), all of Avilla; uncle to James Helmich II of The Woodlands, Texas, Will Helmich of Redding, California, Maggie Helmich Chaloner (Kevin) of Benton, Arkansas, John and LauraJean Helmich of Avilla; great uncle to Cole Chaloner of Benton, Arkansas; and step-grandfather to Kayla Davis, Callie Hopkins, Korra Hopkins and Cassi Goldsmith of Monument, Colorado.

The celebration of Rick's life will be Monday, December 29, 2014 at Zion Lutheran Church of Avilla, 300 Avilla East, Alexander, Arkansas. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and the funeral service/interment will follow at 11:00 a.m. Pallbearers are Kevin Chaloner, James Helmich II, John Helmich, Richard Hoffman, Gary Hoppe, Robert Maertens, Bruce Schrader, and Rick Watts. Honorary pallbearers are Will Helmich and the members of Zion Lutheran Church Choir.

Services are in the care of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home, 306 S. Main, Benton, AR 72015, (501)315-4047.

Rick was funny, smart, a man of both science and Christ, a booming bass singer who didn't care that he was sometimes off-key, and a huge science fiction fan - a true giant teddy bear of a man.

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16 Condolence(s)
Lisa Thompson
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, January 6, 2015

My heart grieves for your families lost. I used to work with Mr. Rick at DCC, he was a very kind, sweet and smart man. He never hesitated to help me with my homework. I’m so sad ….I will keep you all in my prayers.

Veter Howard
Pine Bluff, AR
Liked
Monday, December 29, 2014

God bless the Helmich family. Be comforted that He is with you and grieves with you. Trust Him for strength, endurance and peace in your hearts.. Veter Howard former co-worker.

Mary
Ward, AR
Liked
Monday, December 29, 2014

I worked with this man and he was a wonderful person. He always loved our social events at work

Janet Jackson
Sheridan, AR
Liked
Monday, December 29, 2014

I had the privilege of knowing Rick a short time at ACC. My prayers are with you in your loss.

Linda Hatcher
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Monday, December 29, 2014

Such a kind and gentle man. RIP Rick.

Judy Wright Young
Benton, AR
Liked
Monday, December 29, 2014

I am sorry for your loss. I went to elementary school in Bryant with Ricky. Thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Judy Wright Young

Melissa Moix
Bauxite,
Liked
Monday, December 29, 2014

Dear Lee and Eileen and family I'm so sorry for the loss of your brother. You are in my prayers. Sincerely Melissa Moix

charles cornelius
mooringsport, LA
Liked
Monday, December 29, 2014

so so sorry for your loss. I went to school with ricky and my dad did cattle business from time to time with his dad. so sorry for you loss

Gary Jackson
Rose Bud,
Liked
Sunday, December 28, 2014

I graduated High School with Rick and had lots of respect for him. I pray for his family during this time of grief.

Janis Boersma
Jackson,
Liked
Sunday, December 28, 2014

Dear Lee, Eileen, Marty, Chris and families I am very sorry that Ricky is gone. Our mothers were best friends and all of you mean much to me. Janis Richey

Beatrice Hagerty
Tupelo, MS
Liked
Sunday, December 28, 2014

Rick was a good friend and wonderful man. The last few years we became better acquainted at filk music conventions. I shall miss him, his humor and singing. Bunny

Fred (Freddy) Burnett
Bryant, AR
Liked
Sunday, December 28, 2014

Sorry to hear of Rick (Ricky)'s death. I grew up in Avilla and my brother and I used to go over to the Helmichs' to play with Ricky and Marty. Prayers for his family.

cherie brewer-hawley
seattle, WA
Liked
Sunday, December 28, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family at this difficult time. Was blessed to know Rick and his love for Star Trek, which was my one and only movie he dragged me to see,,lol, ,,
Much love and prayers to all,

Cherie

Morell E. (Gene) Mullins
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, December 28, 2014

A genial soul, and one of the most creative individuals I ever met.

Lorie Johnson
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Sunday, December 28, 2014

Rick was bigger than life, and a true fan in the best sense of the word. He was always a genial presence at our bi-monthly LRSFS meetings, as well as the cookouts and New Years Eve party I hosted.

We will miss him greatly. Godspeed, Rick.

Mike and Jeannie Otts
Haskell, AR
Liked
Saturday, December 27, 2014

So sorry for your loss. We will lift you all up in our prayers.