Richard F. Helfrich

     Richard, “Dick,” was born on July 5th, 1938, to Paul Z. and Marian L. (Fedde) Helfrich of Peotone, Illinois. They spent Dick’s early childhood in Chicago Heights, then moved to Peotone, where his father became the 4th generation to run the Fedde family funeral home and furniture store. Dick made lifelong friends attending Peotone High School and playing basketball there. After graduating, he studied mathematics and geology at DePauw University (Class of 1960) where he was in the Lamda Chi Alpha fraternity and met his future wife and traveling partner of 59 years, Virginia or “Ginnie” Hale of Carmi, Illinois, while on spring break vacation in Florida.

     Dick and Ginnie lived in multiple locations while Dick served as an officer in U.S. Naval Intelligence, including during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Dick and Ginnie settled in the Chicago area where he attained a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Chicago, passed his CPA examination, and became an accountant for Arthur Anderson. Dick and Ginnie made lifelong friends in Chicago, but, in 1973, his work led to a move to Columbus, Ohio, where he eventually became a self-employed CPA, helping individuals and small businesses with their accounting, tax, and financial planning needs.

     In Columbus, Dick immediately purchased his first season tickets to OSU basketball and never stopped attending their games. He cheered the Buckeyes on for more than 50 years until he passed, though his favorite movie was “Hoosiers!” He also loved playing golf and was a member of Brookside Country Club.

     Dick and Ginnie had two children and many happy memories traveling around the world, but especially to Colorado, where he could frequently be heard exclaiming, “Look how they cut through that rock to make the road!” His natural curiosity, ability to bring out the best in people, sense of duty and selflessness, will always be cherished by those who were fortunate enough to know him.

     Dick was devoted to his wife and loving family. He’s survived by his son, Kurt (Andrea) Helfrich; daughter Katherine (Tony) Pan; granddaughters Grace and Gretchen Helfrich; grandsons Colin and Alexander Pan; siblings Paula and Tom (the late Jill) Helfrich; and numerous nieces and nephews and their children. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Marian Helfrich; his wife Virginia; his brother Harry and sister-in-law Pat; and his parents-in-law, Hugh and Suma Hale.

     Graveside Funeral Services and Burial with military honors for Richard F. Helfrich, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 8, 2025 in Maple Ridge Cemetery in Carmi where Richard will be buried next to his late wife, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial contribution to your favorite charity. Campbell Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements