Arthur, IL - Willard Helmuth, age 72, of Arthur, IL passed away suddenly in Shipshewana, Indiana, on June 18.

He was born on Oct. 24, 1952, in Arthur, Illinois, to Obadiah Leroy and Anna Mae (Schrock) Helmuth.

Willard was united in marriage to Amelia Irene Miller on Nov. 22, 1979, in LaGrange, Indiana. They shared 44 years and 2 months of devoted marriage before her passing on January 21, 2024.

Together, they raised six children, Steven married to Lucy Hershberger, of Arthur, Illinois, Nelson married to Joann Hershberger, of Mattoon, Illinois, Lydianna married to Marcus Kaufman, of Lovington, Illinois, Larry of Glendale, California, Marnita married to Christy Jess of Arthur, Illinois, and Melvin married to Marnita Schlabach, of Arthur, Illinois. He was a loving grandfather to 25 grandchildren.

On May 16, 2025, Willard married Esther H. Miller in Shipshewana, Indiana. They shared 4 weeks and 5 days together.

Willard is also survived by his siblings, sister-in-law, Joanna (Kaufman) Helmuth, Christian Helmuth, Willis (Dorothy) Helmuth, Sovilla Gingerich, Wilmer (Laura) Helmuth, Reuben Helmuth, Ezra (Lise) Helmuth, Elva Helmuth, Melvin (Clara) Helmuth, Lester (Marlene) Helmuth, and Martha Ann (Ruben) Gingerich.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Irene (Miller) Helmuth; brother, Andrew Helmuth; a stillborn sister; brother-in-law, Marion Gingerich; sister-in-law, Dorothy (Herschberger) Helmuth; two granddaughters, Marlys LuAnn and Heather Joy; and his parents, Obadiah and Anna Mae Helmuth.

Visitation & Funeral will be held at HCK West building, located 1 mile south of Arthur, IL.

Visitation Friday, June 20 from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. and again from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Visitation Saturday, June 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. & 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. and again from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Funeral services will take place on Sunday, June 22, at 9:00 a.m. Officiating Bishop Steve Brenneman.

Burial will be in the Otto Cemetery.

The Edwards Funeral Home in Arcola, IL is assisting with arrangements.