Lee Helmuth, 78, Nappanee, passed away at 10:45 p.m., Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at his residence after a year and a half battle with cancer. He was born on January 14, 1941, in Bremen to Harry and Sophia (Borkholder) Helmuth.  

On May 8, 1962, he married Elva F. Chupp in Etna Green. Mr. Helmuth was a lifetime area resident. He was a member of the Old Order Amish Church.

He is survived by his wife; son, Steve Helmuth, Nappanee; daughters: Rebecca Terisa (Marlin) Chupp, Nappanee; Mary Jane Helmuth, Nappanee; grandsons: Marcus Shawn Chupp, and Edison Garza, both of Nappanee; granddaughters: Michelle Diane Garza, Vero Beach, Fla.; LeAnn Renee Chupp and Melanie Rose Garza, both of Nappanee; great-granddaughter, Nina Nichole Hart, North Webster; brothers: Wayne Allen (Anna Marie) Helmuth, Rosebush, Mich.; Paul Jay (Lena) Helmuth, LaRussell, Miss.; Glen Edward (Mary Alice) Helmuth and Crist Eugene (Ruth) Helmuth, both of Penrose, Colo.; sisters: Katie Mae Schwartz, Bourbon; Clara June Schwartz, Etna Green; Sylvia Sue (Delbert) Schwartz and Becky Ann Helmuth, both of Nappanee; brother-in-law, Crist D.E. Yoder, Apple Creek, Ohio; sister-in-law, Laura Mast, Topeka. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Kenneth Ray and Richard Dale Helmuth; sisters, Fern Ellen Yoder and Ruth Etta Mast; brother-in-laws, Ernest Schwartz, John Lamar Schwartz and Levi Mast.

Family and friends may call after 1 p.m., Friday, March 15, and after 10 a.m., Saturday, March 16, at the Leon Schwartz Residence (9615 N. 900 W., Nappanee). Funeral services will begin at 9:30 a.m., Sunday, March 17, at the Gerald Schwartz Residence (9229 N. St. Rd. 19, Etna Green). 

Home Ministry of the Old Order Amish Church will officiate. Burial will be in Graber Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.