Harley Vincent Helle

Harley Vincent Helle, age 76 of Savanna IL, passed away Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at Select Specialty Hospital in Davenport, IA. Visitation will take place Friday, October 4, 2019, from 5pm to 7pm, at Law Jones Funeral Home in Savanna. A funeral service will be held Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 10:30 am at Law Jones Funeral Home in Savanna, IL, with burial to follow at Savanna Township Cemetery.

Harley was born October 29, 1942 in Fairfield, IA, the son of Sheldon and Hazel (Hendrick) Helle. He attended Savanna schools, completing high school with the class of 1962. He married Aletha Metz; they had two children. Later in life, Harley married Lorraine Shafer, and the two enjoyed 12 happy years before Harley’s passing.

Harley worked for Helle Saw Mill, Fulton Pallet Company (with his father) and drove a semi for a number of companies, hauling a variety of goods, including wood products and pallets. His work ethic didn’t end with retirement, as he loved to mow the lawn and keep himself busy working with tools. Those who knew Harley will always remember him for his penchant for storytelling; a trait he most certainly inherited from his father. He could talk with anybody, and quite frankly, he often would. He will also be fondly (or not so fondly; depends who you ask) remembered as a prankster. Most of all, Harley loved his family and of course, his dog, Jake Brake.

Harley will be dearly missed by his wife Lorraine, of Thomson, IL; daughter Clarissa (John) Sullivan, of Manchester, IA; son James (Kate) Helle, of Colorado Springs, CO; three step daughters, Coweina Travis, of Ashton, IL, Julie Johnson, of Ashton, IL, and Sheri Hooper, of Clinton, IA; six grandchildren; six step grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; 4 step great-grandchildren; sister, Louise (Konrad) Radke; and numerous extended family members and friends.

Harley is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Lyle Helle, and his sister Lorraine McMunn.