Kenneth Ray "Hummer" Helm

April 14, 1947 - January 5, 2022

Kenneth R. Helm, (Hummer), 74 of Iuka passed away January 5, 2022 at Carlyle Health Care Center. Kenny was a lifetime resident of Iuka, Illinois. He was retired from the Operating Engineers Local 520 and the Laborers International Union where he served as president. Kenny served on the Iuka Village board as a trustee and later as the mayor of Iuka for 3 terms. Kenny owned his own excavation company for many years. In his later years, he enjoyed riding his golf car "the Biden Mobile" around Iuka and visiting with people. Kenneth is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda (Purdue) Helm; his sons Kenneth and wife Penny of Iuka, IL, Victor and wife Paula of Iuka, IL, daughters Linda Holsapple and husband James of Gilbert, AZ and Misty Betancourt of Grand Rapids, MI. Also surviving him is one sister, Marlene Edwards of Henderson, NV along with 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Hazel (Beck) Helm: 3 brothers, Lowell Helm, Robert Helm and George Helm. Sisters, Joyce Madrigal, Phyliss Orrell, Velma Buske, Beverly Michaels and one grandson, Kenneth Ray Helm II. Funeral services will be 1:00 pm Monday in the chapel of Sutherland - Rankin Funeral Home with Rev. Denise Burke officiating. Entombment in his mausoleum will follow in the Iuka Cemetery. Visiting hours will be from 11:00 am until the service hour at the funeral home. The family kindly request that due to effects of the recent pandemic, masks be worn and social distancing be respected. Memorials may be made to the Iuka Cemetery fund, or to the Donor's choice and will be received by the Sutherland - Rankin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 97, 310 N. Broadway, Salem, IL 62881 (618) 548-1234, entrusted with the family's care. On line condolences may be left at sutherlandfuneralhome.com.