Biography:

John Helmkamp, age 72, died peacefully at home in Little Rock, Arkansas, on Sunday, June 23, 2024.  Throughout his life he expressed his love of friends and family through his sweet, kind spirit, his quick-to-laugh humor, his warm smile, and his twinkling blue eyes.  He was grateful to all who helped him live out his last days at home, a very happy place, bursting with memories, with wonderful views of Japanese maples, flowers of all sorts, and a beautiful fish pond with lotus and water lilies.

John Oscar Helmkamp was born in Alton, Illinois, on March 31, 1952, to dairy farmer Oscar George Helmkamp and creative housewife and school teacher Agnes Caroline Wilhelm.  He grew up protected by older sibling Arthur Helmkamp and played big brother to Robert Helmkamp and Virginia Frey. 

John graduated from High School in Edwardsville, Illinois and later attended Louis and Clark Community College and Southern Illinois University. After moving to Little Rock, Arkansas he completed his RN Degree in Nursing at Baptist Hospital where he later worked for 28 years.  At the time of his retirement from a Nursing career John had lived with Parkinson’s Disease for many years but rarely complained about the impact it had on his life. He was diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023.

John was talented, artistic, creative, and a great dancer. He was very active in the Central Arkansas Iris Society, Society for Louisiana Iris, and American Iris Society.  Flower arranging was a special interest and he won numerous awards and ribbons.  Pressing flowers was a special interest and many were blessed with his imaginative framed creations.

John is survived by his partner of forty years Oliver Wendell Hall, III, MD; brother, Arthur Helmkamp; brother, Robert Helmkamp; sister, Virginia Frey; the extended family of his siblings’ children and grandchildren; many wonderful friends and neighbors; caregiver Sam Bennett; and Arkansas Hospice.

Visitation/celebration of John’s life will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 on Friday June 28, 2024 from 5-7pm.

A Memorial service will be arranged in Illinois at a later date.  In lieu of flowers please make donations to the organization or charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com