Dwaine Helm
June 30, 1942 ~ June 27, 2016
Dwaine Arnold Helm passed away on Monday, June 27, 2016 at Essentia Health, Fargo surrounded by his family.
Dwaine was born on June 30, 1942 to August and Emily Louise (Jesz) Helm in Turtle Lake, ND. He lived on the Fischer farm NE of Turtle Lake, ND as a young child and then moved numerous times in the Denhoff, Goodrich, Washburn and Garrison, ND area. He then moved to Underwood, ND and lived there while his father worked for the Underwood Coal Mine. Dwaine left Underwood and enlisted in the U.S. Navy while visiting his sister (Elaine Geigle) in Valejo, CA.
After graduating from Boot Camp in San Diego, CA, he went to Radioman Class “A” school. He served on numerous ships and commands throughout the Pacific Fleet (COMCARDIV-ONE) an Aircraft Carrier Division the first year and a half of duty and the last two and a half year tour of duty in Okinawa aboard (3) Seaplane tenders (COMPATFOR7thFLT). Dwaine was honorably discharged in July 1964.
Dwaine was married to Marie Ann Bender in Underwood, ND. On April 22, 1966, he re-enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan as home base, while spending most of his time in-country (Vietnam) Beachmaster Unit-One and aboard several Amphibious Ship’s, before being Honorably discharged the second time in July, 1969 in San Francisco, CA.
Dwaine lived in Bismarck, ND from 1969 – 1980. He moved to Washburn, ND and he worked at Great River Energy Power Plant for 27 years, retiring in July, 2007.
He is survived by his wife, Marie, his daughter, Twila (Ron) Beasley and their children, Geoffrey, Heather and Michael, his son, Todd (Sarah) Helm and their children, Gage, Emily, Tristin and Mason, his siblings, Elaine Geigle, Elva Blumhagen, Harlan Helm, Phyllis Lasher, Eunice Toombs, Joyce Miller and Gail McNeilly. He is also survived by his numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws.
He was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law, John and Loretta Bender, brothers-in-law Bob Bender, Lloyd Blumhagen, Herbert Geigle, Don Bender and his wife Lorna.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Duane and I are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you as always.
So very sorry. He will be missed by many!!
Marie we are so so sorry for your loss. Dwaine was such a fun happy man. We just loved being neighbors for all those years in Washburn. Never a dull moment with Dwaine as a neighbor. Please take care,. God has his arms wrapped tightly around you. Rest in Peace Dwaine
Twila, and family; we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. One never wants to see them in pain, however still hard to let them go! Tricia Nelson Sabin, Tracie Nelson Day, Terra Nelson Van Horn, and T.J. Nelson and our families… God Bless
Marie & family— we are so sorry for your loss. Dwaine was one great guy we were happy to be ‘GRE-family’ with, and missed greatly. God wrap you in comfort and love. ~the Wollmuths
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Dwaine’s family. The pain that the loss of a loved one brings upon a person could sometimes feel unbearable. However, you are not alone Psalms 34:18 assures us that “Jehovah is close to the broken-hearted and he saves those who are crushed in spirit.” God would like for you to to reach out to him during this time of sorrow and he will comfort you. May this and the beautiful memories you have with Dwaine help you during this difficult time.
Marie, Twila, Todd and family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. My memories of your husband/dad are of a very kind man who made people laugh. I can remember when we lived across the street from you and all the fun times we had together. Prayers for your aching hearts to heal. Love and Hugs from Culpeper, VA
With deepest sympathy,
Heathermichelle Green (Donahue)
Marie and Family so sorry for your loss.Marie you are in my thoughts & prayers.
My thoughts and prayers, are with Marie and family, also with Auntie Elva and my Cousin’s and their family’s . Debbie, Vicky, Carla Mae, Bobby, Lee, Jamie LOVE TO ALL, BIG HUG . Love Rita Mae
Marie and family, Wayne and I are heartbroken for you and your family. Dwaine was the best friend Wayne has ever had and “fishing the river” together was so very important to Wayne! We were lucky to have you two for neighbors! Our love and sympathy always……
Marie, Twila and Todd and family.
Sorry to hear about Dwaine and his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Dwaine was my best friend in high school. He attended Underwood and I attended Riverdale. We spent may hours cruising the main street of Underwood and he spend many nights staying with me on our farm outside Underwood. After he joined the Navy, He would come home on leave and tell me of all the glamorous, exciting ports he had visited. As a farm boy, I was envious and his adventures caused me to join the Navy. After my discharge, I got married and moved to Washington State. While we did not see each other very often, Dwaine always remained my best friend. He was such a good friend with a friendly outgoing attitude and his family has much to be proud of. He truly was a very nice person. I will miss Dwaine.
Marie and family, we’re so sorry to hear about Dwaine. He was such a kind person and will be missed. Joe bride was just telling all kinds of funny stories today and we were commenting that he never really got to fired up about anything, just went with it. He was truly one of a kind and will be missed dearly. You are in our thoughts, prayers and hearts. Bless you all Dean and Sandy Schell and family!
So sorry to hear about Dwaine. He was always so positive and happy . May you rest in peace my friend.
Am so sorry for your loss. Dewaine was such. Great man. Loved working with him at Hornbachers! He will truly be missed.
Our prayers and thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.
Our deepest sympathy Marie and family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rest In His arms uncle! Peace beyond all understanding be with you Auntie!
Marie, Twila,Todd and family,
As I sit here and remember so many good times with you all, my heart is breaking for You. I am so lucky to have known him, as my best friends Dad, who always treated me like family. Please know that I am with you in thought and prayer and I’m sorry I can’t be there to honor his life. What an awesome man. Rest in Peace Dwain! So many out there who love you dearly! Until we meet again…love you all!
Marie and family, Howard and I are sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing, Twila! My heart breaks for you! It is not an easy journey! With my Mom gone almost 3 months now, not a day goes by that I don’t miss her and wish she was her with me!
May your Dad rest in peace! He is in God’s arms now in heaven! Take care and please let me know if you need anything! Love The Patri’s
So very
So very sorry for your loss. Duane was a great, happy, fun guy. He will be missed by many. Great memories. God bless you al
So sorry for your loss. I had such nice conversations with him while he worked at Hornbacher’s. He was truly a nice guy and will be missed.
I’m so sorry to hear this news. Dwaine was such a character and I so enjoyed hanging out at Twila’s with him and Marie in high school! May he rest in peace and know how much he was loved by all who knew him.
Marie, Twila, Todd and families,
Kris and I send our sympathy. Prayers for strength and peace to all. Dwaine always had a smile on his face and will be missed. Take care.
So sorry to hear about the passing of Dwaine! So blessed to have had such kind and wonderful neighbors growing up in Washburn. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
I am sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with Dwaine at Great River Energy and our chance visits at Hornbachers in Fargo.
Prayers for comfort and healing for your family.
Meri Martin & Family
Marie and family; we are so sorry for your loss. Dwaine was a fun hard working person and loved by all who knew him. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Marie, Twila and Todd and families
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. The memories of being neighbors will be with us always. His smile and energy will be missed by many. We’ve missed you both for many years.
We were so sorry to hear of Dwaine’s passing and your loss. What a great guy he was! Always a smile, always ready to help. He will be greatly missed.
Marie, Twila & Todd,
This came as a shock! I didn’t think anything could ‘take him down’ I’m so sorry to hear of his passing and my thoughts and prayers are, and will be with you all—always!! To borrow a Dwaine line: ” I guaran-damn-ty we will all miss him and his memory will bring us all a warm feeling”!! I’m really glad we weren’t related (closely) ’cause you can’t choose your relatives, BUT YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR FRIENDS AND HE WAS A GREAT FRIEND!! Love you all! Hank
So sorry to hear of Dwaines passing. I worked with Dwaine at CorwinChurchill in Bismarck. He was always such a happy guy. Dwain and Marie and several of us other couples did inventory in Dickinson , ND . We always had such a great time together. Cookouts at their house in Washburn. Great times… will always remember those times. My deepest Sympathy and prayers go out to you Marie and all your family. Hope to see you on Friday here in Mandan. Love ya..
Marie & Family,
We are saddened to hear of Dwaine’s passing and offer our deepest sympathies to you. May your faith in God bring comfort, strength and peace and your memories and love bring healing.
Bonnie and Harold Holtz
Marie and family, so sorry to hear of Dwaine’s passing. He was always a happy person. He will surely be missed. Thoughts and prayers….
Our sincerest condolences in the passing of Dwaine. He will be greatly missed. Prayers to all of the family.
Marie and family we were deeply saddened by the news of Dwaine’s passing. Jim said he made all 27 years together so much fun at the plant! He will be missed by all who knew him, but always remembered with a smile and a few ‘hopper’ stories. God bless all of you, you will remain in our prayers.
Marie and Family. So sad to see the news of Dwaines passing. Many memories from the years working with Dwaine in the Coal Yard at Coal Creek. Dwaine had the winning personality, always happy and in a good mood.
Thoughts and prayers to the family. Don and Ruby Weible
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marie and family: My sincere sympathy to you and your family. Hold on to the dear memories you have of your husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Those memories are with you for a life time!
We saw about Dwaine’s passing in the church bulletin this morning. We couldn’t believe it. We have missed you in church, but had no idea Dwaine was ill. Praying for God to wrap his arms around you and your family and give you strength and peace during this difficult time.
My heart goes out to your family at the loss of Dwaine. I remember what a friendly likeable guy he was when your family lived in Washburn. There are many people he will know on the other side….my Terry being one of them! May fond memories keep Dwaine close at heart always. My deepest sympathy…..
Ardee
Condolences to the family. I’m sorry I did not know about Dwaine’s passing until recently. I would have come to the burial. I’m glad I got to be acquainted with Dwaine through my husband at GRE. With loving thoughts to the entire family. My mother, Violet, was Dwaine’s mother’s sister. We had some nice visits to your house in Underwood. Hugs to everyone.