Gerald Edward Helzel

Franklin, NC - Gerald Edward Helzel, age 89, of Franklin, NC, formerly of Gainesville,FL, passed away Friday, August 19, 2011 in a local nursing home. He was born in Jeannette, PA, and was the son of the late Mr. & Mrs. Frank and Hazel Sager Helzel. He was married to the late Sylvia Hubner Helzel. He was a US Navy Veteran, serving during World War II, and was a member of Resurrection Lutheran Church, serving on the Church Council. He previously owned a heating and air company, and taught at Santa Fe Junior College in Gainesville, FL.

He is survived by 5 sons and four daughter-in-laws, Jon and Ana Rhoads and Alan and Debbie Rhoads both of Alachua, FL, Randy Rhoads of Gainesville, FL, Todd and Neida Rhoads, of Orlando, FL, and Phil and Debbie Rhoads of Greer, SC; one sister, Barbara Monday of Gainesville, FL; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren also survive.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, August 27th at Resurrection Lutheran Church.

Burial will be at Forest Meadows Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Angel Hospice, 170 Church Street, Franklin, NC 28734.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.