Terry Helvie

Terry Lee Helvie, son of Lester Lee Helvie and Bernice Lucille (Holdren) Helvie, was born on October 16, 1942, at their home in Mount Etna, Iowa.

He left this world to go to his eternal home on Monday, October 13, 2025, at the age of 82 years, 11 months, and 27 days. He had been residing at Good Samaritan Society in Villisca, Iowa, for the past few weeks. Chronic COPD and emphysema were his last big battle—one he was unable to overcome.

Terry was two years old when his family moved to Corning. He graduated from Corning High School with the Class of 1960. On January 17, 1961, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed out of San Diego, California, on the U.S.S. Providence. Over the next four years, his travels took him to several Southeast Asian countries and South Pacific islands. He spent two years in Tokyo, Japan, and was honorably discharged on January 5, 1965.

On May 17, 1964, he married the love of his life, Connie Walter. To this union, two children were born: Sherry Lynn on February 11, 1965, and Lenny Lee on November 3, 1968.

After finishing his service to his country, Terry took a job at Wellman Dynamics in Creston, Iowa, where he worked for the next 40 years. He retired at age 62.

Two of Terry’s favorite hobbies were hunting in his younger years and fishing. Connie loved to fish right alongside him, and together they enjoyed fishing in many locations—sometimes even late at night. Terry also enjoyed ice fishing, though Connie did not share that passion, so he did the ice fishing alone.

Terry loved being at home. He wasn’t big on going out or socializing much; he simply preferred the comfort of his home. He cherished spending time with his family and pets. Misty, Dolly, and Molly—the three dachshunds they had for many years—were treated like royalty by both Terry and Connie.

When Terry became a grandpa in 1996, 1999, and again in 2005, he embraced the role wholeheartedly. He was so proud of his grandchildren and was blessed to spend a great deal of time with each of them.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Lester (1976) and Bernice (1997); his sister, Dolores Connell (1989); his nephew, Mark Connell (1982); and his brother-in-law, Don Connell (2023). Several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law on Connie’s side also preceded him in death.

Terry is survived by his wife, Connie; daughter, Sherry (Nick) Keefe of Corning; son, Lenny Helvie of Corning; three grandchildren, Darien (Brandon) Robison of Corning, Chloe (David) Thompson of Creston, and Roman Keefe of Ankeny; two great-granddaughters, Ellie Thompson and Ivy Thompson; sister-in-law, Carolyn (Merlin) Dixon; and many nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life Services will be 6:00 PM, Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at Pearson Family Funeral Service & Cremation Center in Corning. Sandra Bilokonsky, Chaplain, will officiate. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, Corning, Iowa, at a later date. Family will receive friends 4:30 – 5:30 PM, Tuesday, October 28, 2025, prior to the service. Memorials may be directed to the family, to be determined. Memories and condolences may be directed to www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.