Jerry Lee Helmke of Wheatridge, Colorado, passed away on May 23rd, 2026 at the Intermountain Hospice at Collier at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife Lillian V. Stone, children, Kim (Tom) Russey, Jeff Helmke, Wendy Helmke, Art (Bunny) Schaupeter, Amy Schaupeter , Eric Schaupeter, and Karyn Hattenburg. Grandchildren include, Melissa (Zach) Ruder, Jennifer (Ryan) Sheets, Samantha Russey, Jay (Mariah) Helmke, Allison (Damien) LaFortune, Brooke ( Corbin) Hansen and Carsen Helmke , as well as four great grandchildren.

Jerry’s long career in banking started at the age of 19 as a bank teller for Michigan National Bank in Detroit. In 1978 he moved his family to Denver and continued his career in Commercial Lending with Central Bank. Once retired from banking, he founded his contract company, Your Painter, which specialized in residential homes and small businesses. Throughout these years he was always passionate about the outdoors, in particular , the mountains. He hiked and summitted 15 of our magnificent 14ers, During that time, he noticed the significant need for trail restoration which prompted him to join the Colorado Mountain Club in 1986. He served with the CMC performing maintenance work on the trails , later becoming a crew leader and instructor. In 1995 Jerry organized the first trail crew projects and served as co chair of the trails committee. He was instrumental in developing and helping to build the famous Colorado Trail which stretches 567 miles from Denver to Durango. In 2015 he won a volunteer of the year award and just recently he received an award for 40 years of outstanding service with the CMC.

Having a huge heart for helping others, Jerry was always quick to lend a hand to neighbors, friends and family. He served many years with the Action Center, volunteered at the Rocky Mountain Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, and distributed books to the Veterans hospital.

In addition, he loved sports and games and was an avid golfer, and tennis player. At age 50 he won the mens singles championship in tennis for his age bracket at the Denver City Open. He loved downhill skiing which he was able to enjoy well into his 70’s. Recently he had become a pickleball enthusiast and never lost the will to win. He passed this spirit and love of sports onto his children and grandchildren. Not to be forgotten was his strategical mind for a good game of bridge or backgammon. Another thing he enjoyed was long distance running. He was able to complete two Denver marathons as well as participate in a number of the Bolder Boulder runs with friends and family. He exercised regularly at the Active Adult Center, where he routinely brought in a supply of doughnuts for all to enjoy.

Jerry will be remembered for his sense of humor, his caring nature, his genuine smile and his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. It could be said that he never met a stranger. His love of poetry led him to write countless poems over the years that he shared on many occasions.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, June 20th at 11:30 at the Active Adult Center : 6363 W. 35th st, Wheatridge with light refreshments and visitation immediately following the service.

Memorial contributions in Jerry’s honor may be made to the following:

Active Adult Center : 6363 W 35th Ave Wheatridge CO 80033

Colorado Mountain Club: 15605 W 32nd ave Golden, CO 80401

The Action Center: 8755 W 14th Ave Lakewood, CO 80215