Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
John Helinski Obituary
John F.
Helinski
June 8, 1942
July 5, 2023
John F. Helinski, Major (USAF Ret.), age 81, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2023 in Colorado Springs after a battle with cancer. John was born June 8, 1942 in Cleveland, Ohio.
John graduated from high school at age 17, attended the US Air Force Academy and played football in the class of 1963. After graduating, John married his wife of 60 years, Mona Gay Kurek. He served 21 years as a civil engineering officer, had 2 children and retired in 1984.
After retirement John focused on charity work with the Boy Scouts of America, Christmas Unlimited, Front Range Business Group, USAFA AOG, USAFA Parents Club, and the Catholic Church. John loved to golf, hunt, garden, play cards, cook, and spend time with family.
Our "Gentle Giant" was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Catherine "Kay" Helinski, sister Ann Jablonski, in-laws Adolph and Mona Kurek, and daughters Holly and Mona Catherine. He is survived by his wife Gay, Daughter Laura (Doug) Troutman, Son Brent (Allie) Helinski, Brother Joe, and 6 grandchildren. We all miss him dearly and will be forever thankful for the abundance of love he gave to us and the world.
Services:
August 10, 2023 16:00 Rosary and sharing - Air Force Academy Community Chapel, August 11, 2023 13:00 Funeral Mass and Reception - USAFA Community Chapel, Interment at USAFA Cemetery
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in John's name to Boy Scouts of America Pathway to the Rockies Council or USAFA Association of Graduates.
View the full obituary at allveterans.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Helinski
4 Entries
Pat and Ray Schuder
July 31, 2025
We have lots of happy memories from when our kids were young in Colorado Springs. So sorry to hear of John's passing. Love to Gay
Ray and Pat Schuder
February 28, 2024
We are so sorry to hear of John's passing, Gay. Our thoughts are with you, Laura and Brent.
Florena Avila
September 26, 2023
My condolences to John's family. I knew John while he was employed at Falcon Air Force Base. He was a good guy, fun-loving and mild-mannered. He will surely be missed.
Ev and Barb
August 7, 2023
We didn't know John long, but it didn't take long to know and love this Gentle Giant. We offer our heartfelt condolences to Gay, Laura and Brent and all the family. Love and prayers from Barb and Ev
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in John Helinski's name
Memorial Events
for John Helinski
Funeral services provided by:
All Veterans Funeral & Cremation - Colorado Springs1020 E Fillmore Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80907
How to support John's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Helinski's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
