Fred Laverne “Sleepy” Helzer, 85, died Monday April 19, 2021, at Lane
County Hospital in Dighton, Kansas. He was born July 23, 1935, in Lane
County, the son of George Frederick and Beulah Elsie (Wheeler) Helzer.
Sleepy was a lifelong resident of Dighton, attending and graduating from
the local schools and working for various farmers in his adolescence
becoming a jack-of-all-trades. He then drove the tire truck for Farmer’s
Oil for many years before becoming a road grader operator for the
county, from which he retired. He loved to fish, took great pride in
making his own jelly to share with friends, and was all around a pretty
good cook. Sleepy was a well known staple in the community, often
offering his supervising skills to the locals working at various tasks.
Sleepy is survived by 4 Siblings- Bernita Maris of Garden City, Kansas;
Lois Fiessenger of Newton, Kansas; Lyle Helzer of Goodland, Kansas; and
Bev Hall of Bazine Kansas along with numerous nieces, nephews, and other
extended family members. He was preceded in death by his Parents and
Siblings- Wiley Helzer, Delores Williams, and Harlan Helzer.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday April 25, 2021, at the
First Christian Church in Dighton, Kansas. Visitation will take place
from Noon to 8:00 pm Friday April 23, 2021 at Boomhower Funeral Home in
Dighton, Kansas.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Sleepy Helzer Memorial Fund in care of Boomhower Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted by visiting www.garnandfuneralhomes.com