David Jo Helfer

David Jo Helfer (Bear), 55, passed away on August 10, 2012 at his home.

A celebration of his life will be held on September 1, 2012 from 11:00 to 1:00 at The Gardena School, 152 Gardena School Rd Touchet, Wa. Memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans Rehab Center through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA.

David was born in Walla Walla on June 1, 1957 to Darrel and Nancy Helfer. He was given the nickname bear when he was little and he was very proud of the name. He went to grade school at Dixie grade school and later moved to Portland, Oregon where he went to school in Carus and later Molalla, Oregon. In 1974, he moved back to Walla Walla at which time he joined the U.S. Navy and served during the end of the Vietnam War helping to bring people out during the fall of Saigon. He was discharged from the Navy in 1976 at which time he returned to Walla Walla.

David loved growing houseplants and took great pride in the ones that he had. He also enjoyed gardening and sharing the vegetables that he grew with others. Dave had a great love for his animals especially his longtime companion, Tess, his dog that was with him at the time of his death. He loved the outdoors and loved motorcycles, hunting, camping, and fishing. He enjoyed being around people and if there was something that someone needed, he would try to help.

David is survived by his wife of 7 years, Mary Ruzicka, his mother and step-father Larry and Nancy Yaw of Waitsburg Wa.; his children, Brandon of Richland Wa., Brendan of Walla Walla, and Amanda of Walla Walla; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Debbie and Bill Blair of Waitsburg, Denise and Michael Kirchubel of Fairfield Ca., Connie and Alex Collazo of Athena; his brother, Don Helfer of Sanger Ca; three adopted brothers, Joseph Helfer of Portland Or., Colton Helfer of Portland Or. and Douglas Helfer of Port Angeles, Wa; 5 grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews; two great nieces and 1 great nephew. He was preceded in death by his father Darrel G. Helfer Sr. and brother, Darrel G. Helfer Jr. who died in 1983.