January 26, 1935
REST IN PEACE
Francis Joseph Helderle, born January 26, 1935 in Dubuque, Iowa, made his way to OKC, OK. He was the son of Oliver Aloysius and Gertrude (Lucke) Helderle, both deceased. A brother, Joseph, also preceded him in death.
Francis is survived by the love of his life for 39 years, Rosemary Kelly Helderle; brother, Oliver Helderle of Peoria, IL; sister, Mary Wittrock of OKC; several nieces and nephews as well as many special friends whom he considered family.
Francis attended John Carroll School and Catholic High which became Bishop McGuinness, graduating in 1953. After high school he entered seminary in Denver, CO, and then the University of Louvain Belgium, receiving a MA in Theology and Philosophy. After being ordained a priest in 1961, he ministered in parishes in Okarche, Durant, Tishomingo, Madill and OKC. Through prayer, knowledge and study of scripture, he trusted in the Lord to be a witness of that love to others.
Later, Francis entered into a 30-year career in the life insurance business. In 1979 he married Rosemary Kelly and they were blessed by the Lord together.
Quietly on March 24, 2019, he entered into eternal rest with his Heavenly Father. The family suggests memorial donations to the charity of your choice. Services will be held at 10:00am Friday, March 29 at Resurrection Free Methodist Church, with interment to follow in Resurrection Memorial Cemetery.