Nancy Joan Helmer

Nancy Joan Helmer, 85, of Fort Wayne, passed away Friday, June 3, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. Born February 9, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Dorothy Epple, and was preceded in death by her sister, Janice Smith (Dick) and her infant brother, Richard Epple.

Nancy grew up in Fort Wayne and graduated from South Side High School with high honors. After later completing studies at Ivy Tech Community College, she was the office manager for oral surgeon, Dr Rich Miller, until her retirement.

Nancy put family above everything else. Her great loves in life were Jim, her husband of 65 years, and her large and loving family, including her precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored.  She loved planning family parties (including the famous Labor Day theme parties), all holidays, especially Christmas Eve, and listening, dancing, and singing to music by John Cougar Mellencamp, Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet, Elvis Presley, and so many others. She loved traveling, especially to Siesta Key, Florida, where the white sandy beaches, the turquoise water of the Gulf of Mexico, gorgeous sunsets, and family time (including a beach snowman contest!) brought her great joy and happiness.

Nancy is survived by Jim, her loving husband; her brother, Tom (Kathy) Epple of Springfield, OH; sons, Bob (Linda) Helmer of Berea, OH and Dan (Miranda) Helmer of Pleasanton, CA; daughters, Katy (Gene) Wolf of Fishers, IN, Amy (Tony) Bowman of Fort Wayne, and Ann (Greg) Dent of Fort Wayne; 14 grandchildren, Stephen, Ryan, Alex, Meghan, Brianna, Jessica, Dylan, Sean, Maddie Rose, Clare, Jack, Abbie, Tyler,and Aidan; 7 great grandchildren, Karson, Elias, Rainn, Asher, Indigo, and identical twin baby boys due in October.

Visitation will be Wednesday, June 8, 2022, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am Thursday, June 9, 2022, with calling one hour prior also at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at the Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.