Gerhard W. Helm, age 93, passed away on November 28th, 2023, in his home on the Tongue River with loved ones at his side. Gerhard (Gary) was born in his childhood home at Watson Flats near Rocks Springs, MT to Johann and Eva Helm. He was the youngest of eight living children. Later, as a young man, he would remodel that home and make it his home with his beloved wife Pat for many years.
Gary attended elementary school at the Purewater School, located on the edge of his family’s ranch. He had the privilege of being one of only two family members to graduate from high school. Gary attended Garfield County High School, and lived in the dormitory during the week, as the ranch was 40 miles from Jordan.
Gary met the love of his life, Patricia Spears, at a Kinsey dance. They were married on September 27th, 1953 and danced their way through life for two weeks short of 69 years. Gary and Pat were blessed with their first child, Gary Paul, in 1954. He was followed by Rick in 1955, Tom in 1956, and Kathy 1958. Gary was very active in teaching his children the ways of the ranch. He also loved to help his kids with their animal projects in 4-H. Due to the success of the 4-H steers, Gary was asked why he was not raising bulls instead of steers. This idea led Gary to begin raising registered Herford cattle, and Helm Herford Ranch was born. Alongside his cattle, Gary also produced wheat, oats, and barley.
Adding on to the ranch and building a legacy for his children was of great importance to Gary. In 1977, Gary and Pat began a new adventure purchasing the Tongue River Ranch, where they proudly expanded their registered Herford business for many years. Gary enjoyed meeting new challenges, and was successful with diversification. As the times changed, so did his operations. Over time, pivots were purchased and beans and malting barley took over. Eventually, feed corn and commercial livestock became the products of choice. Gary continued to enjoy driving tractor and combining until he was 88! Gary was a part of ranch decisions and checking in on the day-to-day ranch operations until his last days.
Being an involved and forward-thinking community member, Gary served on many boards, including the National Farmers Union Association, McCone Electric, Farm Credit, Southern Electric, and Tongue River Electric Coop. Also being a man of progress, he played a crucial role in continuing the Little Dry irrigation project so his and several other ranches could water their hay land. These are just a few of his many achievements.
Gary’s favorite activities outside the ranch included playing cards with the neighbors, going to country dances, going fishing at Fort Peck Lake, going to Las Vegas for the NFR, watching rodeos, and drinking chocolate milk shakes.
Gary is survived by Gary Paul (Vicki) of Miles City, Rick (Irene) Helm of Thermopolis, Tom (Alieda) Helm of Toston, and Kathy (Jim) Bowers of Broadus; grandchildren Aaron (Cody) Helm, Jamie (Casey) Helm, Travis (Jenny) Helm, Brent (Shawna) Helm, Starre Helm, Boone Helm, Kascade (Abby) Helm, Sherry (Coaly) Huckins, Kristy (John) Elgin, Mike (Amber) Bowers; and 15 great grandchildren Cole, Clay, and Carter Helm; Colter Paxon and Adelyn Helm; Cassie, Chloe, Thea, and Era Moore; Ashlee and Brayden Helm; Fallon, Malin, and Finn Huckins; Jack and Jordy Elgin; and Sammie Hart. He is also survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Pat, as well as his parents and his siblings.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Grace Bible Church or the Custer County Senior Citizens Drop-in Center Fund, P.O. Box 1263, Miles City, MT 59301, or the charity of one’s choice.
A special thanks goes out to the wonderful hospice employees that made Gary’s last days pleasant ones.
Family will Receive Friends on Thursday December 7, 2023, at Stevenson & Son’s Funeral Home in Miles City from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Grace Bible Church in Miles City on Friday, December 8, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the family lot at Custer County Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday December 7, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday December 8, 2023
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Following the Memorial Service
Friday December 8, 2023
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday December 7, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday December 8, 2023
Grace Bible Church
3505 Stower St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Following the Memorial Service
Friday December 8, 2023
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Kyle & Gail shaw says
So sorry to hear about Gary. Now he can feel good and be with his Pat. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I will play their favorite dance song here at home for them.
Irene A Trogden says
So sorry for your loss. Patty and him are back together again.
Marcy Parks says
Oh, Cody and family, I am so sorry! You’re all in my thoughts and prayers!
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
Growing up in the same neighborhood I have many fond memories of Gary and Pat! He lived a long and wonderful life. Our deepest sympathy to all the family. We are not able to attend the funeral service on Friday, but you will be in our thoughts and prayers! God Bless!
.
Marilyn Mader says
I taught Garland School for several years in the 80s. The Helms welcomed me into their home for a number of occasions and I fondly remember them. One of my favorite zucchini recipes that I make over and over is from Pat. They were such gracious, welcoming hosts…as I remember always great food and lots of fun had there. My sympathies to the family.
Michael S Speelman says
Prayer and Condolences For the Family,
I had the privilege of serving on the TRECO Board with Gary until his retirement from the Board.
Gary will be missed by all that knew him
BERNADETTE MILLER says
Pat and Gary are back together – Praise the Lord. Such good people to remember. I always enjoyed seeing them out and about. I will keep you in my prayers this holiday season.
Tim and CHERI Hafla says
Our deepest sympathy to all of Gary’s Family,
Tim and I both have fond memories of him and Patti, whenever we would run into them we had wonderful visits and now they are back together. Hugs and prayers to all of you.
Tom and Lillian Ostendorf says
Our sympathy to the Helm family for the loss of Gary. Gary and Pat were always so friendly and happy. We enjoyed many visits over the years. Rest easy Gary.
Bobbi Butcher says
Some of the funniest memories are at Gary and Pats when we all would go float the river and then have a pot luck at their house. Thanks for everything you guys did to bring us all together! You will be missed. Bobbi Butcher
Bill and Rita FitzGerald says
Try to get one over on Gary!! His ability to call a spade a spade made him invaluable on all the boards and committees he served on. Bill Carrie’s a deep respect and friendship for Gary! A huge hole on this earth without Gary and Pat!—but what an addition in Heaven!!
Our sincere thanks to the family for sharing them with us and May the Lord wrap his arms around all of you!
JR & Carol Bean says
So sorry to see this. He and Pat were wonderful people. Though he will be missed here, I’m sure he will be so happy to be spending Christmas with his beloved wife.
MARTHA J CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Roscoe Schmidt and Sharon Schmidt says
Our condolences to the family
Many fond memories .
Floyd Huckins says
Kathy, Jim, & family and all of the Helm family,
Your Dad was an iconic rancher and gentleman. I held Gary & Pat in the highest regard and respect. My thoughts are with you all.
Craig and Jerianne Dunnam says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Helm family. We will remember Gary and Pat as members of that wonderful generation of ranchers that we all loved.
Jay and Deb Terrett says
We send our thoughts of peace and comfort to the Helm family. What “salt of the earth” Gary was…always up for a visit and such a hard worker. It brings comfort to know he and Pat are together again and dancing in Heaven! God Bless!
Phillip D Losinski says
Sorry to hear about this, Gary was a Great Guy! Condolences to the family, Kathy, Tom, Rick, Gary Paul,
fond memories.
Dennis and Jane Pluhar says
Our condolences to all of the Helm family…an Icon in the community…He loved his Hereford cattle…always admired his work ethic…fond memories of hunting trips, 4H events, New Years Eve card party’s in the 60z, basketball trips…What a guy!!…RIP my friend.
Wayne & Serena Wetherelt Jr. says
Thoughts and prayers with all the Helm families. May you cherish the memories created.
Donovan Currey says
To Gary’s Family,
Just wanted to share prayers and peace with all of you. Gary had a long and fruitful life and now is together with Pat in Heaven.
Donovan Currey
Cheryl Hafla Smutt says
I am so sorry for your loss
Diane Hewett says
Gary, Rick, Tom, Kathy, and all of Gary’s family,
My deepest condolences to all of you. It is so difficult to lose a loved one. You are all in my thoughts and prayers as you grieve the loss of a great man.
Sincerely,
Diane (Rath) Hewett
Mary Ann Murray says
I always enjoyed seeing them and having a good visit. Gary was always so friendly. He will be missed. Now he and Pat are once again together and out of pain. Condolences to all the family. I’m sorry to miss the funeral as I am in TX but know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Diana Pluhar Ruis says
Gary Paul, Rick, Tom, Kathy and families,
Sending hugs and prayers to all as you grieve the loss of your wonderful father. He and Patty were such a class act, and so committed to each other and all of you. So many fun memories of those card parties and country dances. Letting them go is painful, but what a family legacy they have left for you to cherish. May God bless and comfort you all.
Lloyd and Diana Pluhar Ruis
Andeen Raymond says
So sorry for your loss. May God Bless and comfort each of you now and in the days to come.
Diane says
Dear Tom and aleida our thoughts and prayers arewith you in the loss of your dad. Your dad had a wonderful life in ranching eastern montana. Our sympathy and love from all at Shepard of the valley Lutheran. Diane and Ross
Wayne Denowh says
Always felt like a true friend doing business with Pat and Gary. Seems like coffee was always on when I stopped to visit.
Tom and Vickie Yule says
I got my first antelope on their ranch when I was 12, in 1963. Gary and Pat were so kind to my father and me, that we kept coming back for many years, in spite of the 8 hour drive. My younger brother got his first antelope there as well. One year I got sick, and Pat wouldn’t stand for me camping in a cold tent, insisting on me getting proper care in their home. Such saints they were! A few years later, I was happy to take Gary on an an elk hunt in the Swan Valley where I worked. We enjoyed the hunt, but Gary quipped that trying to run cattle up in that steep country would be a futile endeavor.
My deepest condolances go out to all his family at this time.