Helmer passed away on July 13, 2019 at his home in Port Townsend at the age of 79.
Helmer was born to Bernice and Helmer Johnson on May 5, 1940 in Neenah, Wisconsin. He grew up and graduated high school with his 2 brothers and 3 sisters. After graduation he joined the US Navy and served 4 years on the USS Sennet 408 submarine. He married Barbara Lamers and had their son Bryan Helmer Johnson and together they lived several years in Alaska. They relocated to Port Townsend where they owned and ran the Four Corners store. He remarried in 1992 to Sandra Lopeman Short (Sam) and shared the last 27 years together enjoying their blended family. He retired in 1994 from the Operating Engineers Union, contributing much of his career to the construction industry.
Helmer was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, golfer, coin collector, dog lover, handyman, and friend to many.
Helmer is survived by his wife Sam Johnson, sister Janet Miller, son Bryan Johnson and wife Karol, step daughter TJ Plastow and husband David, granddaughters, Ariane Roberts, Rian & Amy Plastow, numerous nieces and nephews in Wisconsin and dogs, Millie and Lenny.
Join us in celebrating Helmer’s life, Friday July 19, 2019 at Helmer and Sam’s residence, 1624 Irondale Road, Port Hadlock, WA from 2pm – 5pm. In lieu of flowers, bring memories and a dish to share.
