Helmuth Henry Harms

Helmuth Henry Harms, age 83, of Centralia, passed away on Saturday, July 18, 2015, encircled by his loving family. Helmuth was born on March 23, 1932, in Good Thunder, Minnesota, the son of Ferdinand “Ferd” and Alma (Adermann) Harms. On August 16, 1958, he married Ruby Renken in Edwardsville, Illinois, and she survives him in Centralia. In addition to his wife, Helmuth is survived by one son, Steve Harms and wife Cindy of Warrenville, Illinois; one daughter, Lori Klosterman and husband Scott of Greenwood, Indiana; five grandchildren, Amanda Harms, Matthew Harms, Zachary Klosterman and fiancé Allicia Buchanan, Emily Klosterman and friend Thomas Kuntz, and Grace Klosterman; one brother, Roland Harms and wife Norma; two brothers-in-law, Ronald Matzke and Bruce Neubert; two sisters-in-law Delores Schwartz and Darlene Hellmann and husband Bernie; many loving and caring nieces and nephews; and a host of friends and former students. Helmuth was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Norman Harms and his wife, Lorna Harms; two sisters, Lorna Matzke and Violet Neubert; and one brother in law, Justin Schwartz. Helmuth was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Centralia, Illinois. He was a teacher at Trinity Lutheran School in Edwardsville, Illinois, for eight years and met his wife there as they were both teachers. He then accepted a call to be the principal of Trinity Lutheran School in Centralia where he also taught 7th and 8th grade students for 36 years. He served as Scholar Bowl coach--even into his retirement years. He was a camp counselor at Piasa, was an ambassador at Kaskaskia College after retirement, served as an election judge, was on the board for the Centralia Cultural Society, a member of Rotary and served as Rotary President for one year, he held office in the Southern Illinois District of the Lutheran Church, and he was a past president of the Spirited Seniors group at Trinity. He enjoyed playing card games with his friends and golfing--but most of all, he enjoyed his time with his family and friends. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 23rd, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia at 10:00 am with Pastor Mark Girardin and Pastor Perry Schefelker officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Wednesday, July 22nd, at the church, and from 9:00 am until 10:00 am at the church on Thursday morning. Interment will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Edwardsville, Illinois, at 2:00 pm. Memorials can be made to Trinity Lutheran School, Centralia Cultural Society, Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School, or the Kaskaskia College Veterans Tribute. Online condolences can be left at www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com.

Helmuth Henry Harms

March 23, 1932 - July 18, 2015