Dennis Lynn Helmer Sr.

Dennis Lynn Helmer Sr. 73 years old of Columbia, TN joined his wife Donna in eternal rest at Maury Regional Hospital September 15th, 2026.

He was born May 7th, 1953 in Ionia Michigan to LA Russell “Bud” Helmer and Frances Anna (Clark) Helmer. After graduating from Ionia High School in 1972, he joined his dad at General Tire, where he was an assemblyman and union rep for more than 20 years.

On June 7th, 1975 he married the love of his life Donna Jean Koeppen. They raised 3 children: Jennifer, Christina, and Dennis Jr.

In his younger years Dennis liked to hunt and fish. He enjoyed building and carpentry with his father, as well as putting model cars together. A true tinkerer, he would spend many hours constructing terrain for his toy trains or working on cars. Dennis was known for racing around the yard on his garden tractor and giving rides and “barefootin” around with the grandchildren. He loved watching television; Star Trek, MASH, and Gunsmoke were among his favorites. He enjoyed a wide variety of music, especially when his great-grandson Sage played piano for him.

Dennis was proud to earn his degree from Grand Rapids Community College, and finally attend college at the same time as his daughter. This led to job opportunities and moving to Columbia, TN from 1998 through his death.

He is survived by his mother Frances, his children Jennifer (Robert) Cardenas of Summertown, TN; Christina (Paul) Frost of Ionia, MI; and Dennis Jr. of Freeport, FL. His grandchildren: Autumn (John), Olivia (Wes), Abigail (Micah), Adam, Charles, Junior, Joseph, Grace and Sara. Great-grandchildren: Sage, Arya, Baelyn, Atticus, and Brixton.

A private celebration of life will be held later this fall.

You may share condolences with the family at the Heritage Funeral Home website: www.TnFunerals.com.