ROCK FALLS – William Lee “Bill” Helms, 78, of Rock Falls, passed away peacefully Monday, Feb. 15, 2016, at home, from ongoing heart problems.

Bill was born Dec. 27, 1937, at Sterling Public Hospital, to Ellard and Blanche (Klocke) Helms. He enlisted in the Navy in 1957, and traveled to Japan, the Panama Canal, Hawaii, and Alaska, serving on the Monticello LSD 35. While stationed in San Diego, he married Lois Boseneiler. They celebrated 58 years of marriage Dec. 28, 2015.

Survivors include his wife, Lois of Rock Falls; six children, Mindy Burge of Rock Falls, Shelly Helms of Rockford, William (Debi) Helms Jr. of Morrison, Ellen (Buddy) Bennett of Sterling, Susan (Kevin Smoot) Helms of Sterling, and James (Rose) Helms of Evansville, Wisconsin; two sisters, Marilyn (Gilbert) Quick of Sterling and Carol (Joe) Rock of Dixon; one brother, Keith (Carol) Helms of Rock Falls; 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

According to his wishes, the family will have a casual gathering of family and friends from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 28 at Helms farm, 12 Paris Road, Sterling. Please feel free to stop in. McDonald Funeral Homes handled arrangements.