Norman H. Helfers

Norman Howard Helfers, age 78 of Winona Lake, IN was called home to be with his Lord and Savior at 1:45 AM on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on April 27, 1942 in Chicago, IL to Fern and Elmer Helfers Jr. Norm was one of five children and graduated in 1961 from Main West High School. On June 10, 1967, he married Barbara “Ellen” Snook, his wife of 53 years.

Norm received a Bachelor of Arts from Bob Jones University on May 28, 1969. On May 16, 1975 he graduated from Appalachian Bible Institute with a Bachelor of Theology. On May 11, 1985 he graduated from Grace Theological Seminary with a degree of Master of Divinity. Norm received his Doctor of Theology on July 26, 2019 from Covington Theological Seminary.

Norm became an ordained minister on April 18, 1971. He spent many years as a pastor and church planter. He served as a missionary in Kenya and China. Norm had a passion for training future leaders of the church and served in that training capacity in Kenya, Uganda, Guatemala, and Serbia. Norm’s prayer was that the Lord would be glorified by his life and ministry.

Norm loved trains, woodworking, reading and studying God’s Word. He self-published two books of memoirs and adventures for his grandkids.

Those who survive with memories to cherish include his wife Ellen of Winona Lake; son Jeff (Michelle) of Leesburg, IN; daughter Jodi (Britt) of Jocotenango, Guatemala; daughter Jana (Chris) of Springfield, IL; son Jay (Amanda) of Hillsville, VA; son Jon (Daniele) of Nairobi, Kenya. Three brothers, Les (Paulette), Ron (Barb) and Paul (Shirley) and one sister, April (Jack). He was the proud grandpa of Ashley, Mickey (Brianna), Alicia, Pierce, Clint, Lacey, Kate, David, Meg, Leina, Karissa, Corinne, Morgan, Reagan, Katherine, Josie, Jackson, Wolfie, Lincoln and Emme.

Cremation will take place at Cremation Service s of Kosciusko County, 4356 N. St. Rd. 15, Warsaw, IN. Private services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Limitless Ministries, 2908 Krista Lane, Winona Lake, IN 46590 or Brazil Gospel Fellowship Mission, P.O. Box 355, Springfield, IL 62705.