Charles H."Butch" Helpling, age 66 of Elwood, died Sunday, April 15, 2012 at his residence after an extended illness. He was born December 16, 1945 in Elwood, the son of Herman and Opal (Moore) Helpling. He retired from Dana Corporation in Marion in 1995 where he worked as a Machinist for 30 years. He married Patricia S. Croy on September 11, 1992. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. Butch was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elwood. He enjoyed fishing and restoring old cars.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 20 years, Patricia Sue (Croy) Helpling of Elwood; 2 sons, Jeffery (wife Jennifer) Helpling of Elwood, and Scott Helpling (companion Karla) of Marion; 2 step-sons, Kenny Lehman of Indianapolis and Kevin Lehman of Muncie; brother, Michael (wife Jan) Helpling of Columbia City; 3 sisters, Joan (husband Jim) Stukel of Chicago, IL, Suzie Tyner of Anderson and Judy (husband Charles) Rosenow of Chicago, IL; 11 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; best friend, Don Starr of Fishers; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Kathy Helpling-Proctor; infant sister, Patricia; and brother-in-law, Fred Tyner.

Funeral services will be conducted at 7:00 PM Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Father Alejandro Paternoster of St. Joseph Catholic Church officiating. Burial will take place in St. Joseph Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM on Wednesday prior to the funeral service at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church Building Fund – 1306 South A Street, Elwood, IN 46036 or through the funeral home. Online condolences: www.copherfeslermay.com