Francis "Jack" O. Helms

Jack passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at his home in Otsego. 

He was born on February 12, 1940, in Palo, Michigan, the son of Frank and Thelma (Comer) Helms. Jack worked for Kalamazoo Cold Storage and then opened Top Spot Produce, a market and ice cream shop until his retirement in 1993. He also had several rental properties in the area which he renovated himself. 

In his free time Jack loved playing music, it was the passion of his life he also enjoyed tinkering with his tools, farming, playing cards and dominos with his friends, spending time on his boat and fishing. Jack was a collector and liked to go antiquing and to garage sales with his wife. He was in 4 area bands where he sang, played guitar. and made many lifelong friends. For the past 40 years Jack enjoyed spending the winters in Florida. On June 20, 1974, he married Dixie Kellogg who survives. 

Also surviving are his children, Elizabeth Holloway, Kitty (Paul) Lonsway, Dawn (Sue Carr) Helms, Lorretta (Frank) Guarino; 6 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Max, Lee, Forrest, Martha and Marian; son-in-law, Oran Holloway and his late wife, Phoebe.

Friends may visit with Jack’s family from 4-7 PM, Monday, March 9, 2026, at the Winkel Funeral Home, where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, March 10, 2026, with celebrant Nyla Merrill officiating. 

Burial will follow at Alamo Center Cemetery. 

Contributions in memory of Jack may be directed to Otsego VFW Post #3030,  Otsego Moose Lodge or Wings of Hope Hospice. 

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.