Terry E Helt

TERRY E. HELT 7-27-1946 - 1-21-2021 ROCK FALLS-Terry left this world for a better one in heaven, an angel got his wings. After a long battle with heart, lung and kidney disease, he went to be with our Lord and Savior, Thursday, January 21, 2021. Terry was born July 27, 1946 in Elgin the son of Eugene and Vivian (McNeill) Helt. He was educated in Sterling. Terry had many businesses in the area. Gas stations, Helts Wrecker Service, Valley Properties, Valley Mobile Home Transport. For many years he was a semi driver and enjoyed traveling the county. He married Debra Richards on December 29, 1989 at Full Gospel Assembly Church, Sterling, where he was a lifelong member. Terry had a bus ministry taking groups around the country. He enjoyed and was the biggest supporter of the S.W.A.T. Team Puppet Ministry. He was lovingly known as the church's grandpa, freely giving bear hugs. Another of his greatest joys was serving God and his people. He was a big man with an even a bigger heart. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Debra; one daughter, Leslie (Jack) Denning of Rock Falls; three sons, Mike (Adulfa) Richards of Round Lake, Mark (Christy) Richards of Rock Falls and Mathew (Corrina) Richards of Dixon; one sister, Pamela (Don) Boehme of Rock Falls; many nieces and nephews and his grandbabies he loved, Tyler, Ashley, Alex, Nathan, Terry, Brianna, Samantha and Caleb; great grandbabies, Jacob, Sophia, Clara and Kentilee, whom he took lots of camping trips together and his special sister-in-Christ and partners in crime, Terry Smith and Linda Walker. He was preceded in death by his parents in 1990 & 1991; two sisters, Linda Overbeck in 2010 and Cheri Adams in 2006 and numerous aunts and uncles. Celebration of life will be at 2PM Saturday February 6, 2021 at Full Gospel Assembly, Sterling. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial has been established. Memorials may be sent to Schilling Funeral Home, PO Box 592, Sterling, IL 61081. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.