Eileen Helmstetter

Eileen Helmstetter, 84 of New London, died at her home Friday, October 10, 2025.  Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 17, 2025 at Hope Presbyterian Church in Spicer.  Visitation will be from 5-7 pm. Thursday at the Johnson Funeral Home in New London and for one hour prior to the service at church.  Burial will be in Grace East Cemetery in Belgrade. A livestream of the service can be found here.                                                             

Eileen Bernice Helmstetter was born on July 2, 1941 in Benson, the daughter of Chester and Olga (Thompson) Anderson. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Pauli Lutheran Church near Swift Falls.  She grew up on four different farms in the northeast part of Swift County.  She attended country grade school in Dist. #14 and Benson Elementary and High School graduating in 1959.  She continued her education at Concordia College in Moorhead graduating in 1967.  On August 19, 1961, Eileen was united in marriage to David Helmstetter at St. Pauli Lutheran Church.  They made their home in Newport, MN, Tallahassee, FL, Hastings from 1965 to 1991, Sioux Center, IA from 1991 to 2002 before retiring to New London. 

Eileen worked as a schoolteacher for three years before becoming a fulltime homemaker. She was also an active member of Hope Presbyterian Church and all the churches she had attended.  Through the years she taught Sunday school, vacation bible school and served as a bible study leader. She also belonged to ladies’ aid and circle.

Eileen enjoyed photography, family history, hiking, reading her bible, traveling and extensive note writing.  She will always be loved and remembered for her faith, kindness, personal ministry to many friends and family – and her eagerness to brighten anyone’s day by sharing laughter or a friendly greeting.  

She is survived by her husband, David of 64 years; children, Lori (Judy) Helmstetter and Craig (Mona) Helmstetter; 8 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Dean and Gene. Soli Deo gloria. 

Donations in memory of Eileen can be made to the Link in New London or Hope Presbyterian Church in Spicer.

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