Paul J. Helner

Paul James Helner, 91, of Indian River, passed away June 21, 2025, peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends.

Paul was born on February 3, 1934, in Dearborn, Michigan. The son of Irving and Hilda (Taubitz) Helner and raised in Dearborn, and graduated from Sacred Heart High School. After High School, Paul entered the US Air Force and served as an airman second class radio operator and photographer stationed in Alaska and Parks Air Force Base, California.

On September 8, 1962, Paul married the love of his life, Janet Komarck in Jackson, Michigan. Paul went to work briefly for Spartan Electronics in Jackson before going to work for the Ford Motor Company and moving to Southfield, Michigan. Paul retired from Ford on January 1, 1995 after 31+ years as a metallurgist.

After retirement, Paul and Janet moved to Indian River, Michigan, overlooking beautiful Burt Lake and was a member of The Cross in the Woods Parish.

Paul was in an accomplished, woodcarver specializing in waterfowl and birds. He was an avid photographer, never to leave his home without his many cameras. Paul loved to share his skills of carving and photography with his seven grandkids. Paul loved to bike ride, completing the Del Mac bike tour for many years. Paul loved magic tricks and puzzles, always having a new puzzle ready for the family to figure out when they arrived. Paul was a skilled mechanic often tinkering and restoring old cars. He restored two 1965 Mustangs which were his favorites.

He is survived by his wife, Janet of 62 years; brother Al; sons Stephen (Janelle), John (Jennifer), David Helner, and daughter Paula (David) Johnson; seven grandkids Maria (Grant) Petersen, Samantha Helner, Emma Johnson and Neily Johnson, Lauren, Karsyn, and Klayton Helner.

He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents Irving and Hilda, his brothers Gene, John, Phillip and Stan, his in-laws, Felix and Teresa Komarck.

The family will receive friends on June 27, 2025, at the Cross In The Woods Catholic Church in Indian River from 11am until the funeral Mass at noon. Paul will then be laid to rest at the Shrine Cemetery in Indian River, MI.