Marilyn Joyce Correll Helmer, 84, of Tescott, KS died October 22, 2025, at St. Francis Via Christi Hospital in Wichita, KS. Marilyn was born August 29, 1941, in Detroit, KS to Alice McCosh Correll and Frank Edison Correll. Marilyn’s mother Alice was a homemaker and Marilyn’s father Frank was the superintendent of Dickinson County schools and Secretary of the Mutal Aid Association of the Church of the Brethren. Marilyn graduated from Chapman High School in 1959 and attended McPherson College.
It was at McPherson College that Marilyn met Martin Helmer of Canton, KS. They got married on December 23, 1961. Martin and Marilyn started their married lives in Buckeye, KS. 3 children followed, Patty, Paul and Jon.
Marilyn was gifted as a vocalist. At Chapman High School, Marilyn performed with the Harmonettes quartet, who received recognition and awards regionally and at the state level. Marilyn was a member of the Sweet Adelines in Abilene.
The family moved to Tescott in 1965 where Martin was Principal of Tescott Grade School for 36 years and Marilyn immersed herself in community and school activities. She entertained many friends, neighbors, relatives and her children’s friends in their home. Everyone was welcome and greeted with a beverage, snack or meal.
Marilyn had two grandchildren, Aaron and Conner, and two great-grandchildren, Thomas and Nathan. Visits to Grandma and Grandpa’s house through the years resulted in consuming Grandpa burgers, many pies and cookies, Kansas history lessons, family history and soaking up lots of love.
Marilyn was especially fond of children, and was the mom, aunt or cousin who always “sat at the children’s table” to help entertain the children. Her relatives, friends, neighbors, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have witnessed, benefitted and maybe gotten into some trouble due to her fun-loving and slightly rebellious nature.
As her children left the nest Marilyn started her career as a business owner and Kansas Ambassador. Marilyn opened Village Lines in Lincoln, KS in 1986, supporting and featuring Kansas artists. Marilyn incorporated her knowledge and desire to provide healthy, natural and gluten free food items to her line.
Through the year she has forged friendships in Lincoln and across Kansas in the effort to showcase the Sunflower state and the town of Lincoln. She helped launch Kansas Originals located on 1-70, showcasing Kansas artists and makers. She twice served as Lincoln Chamber of Commerce President, helped establish the Northeast Kansas Tourism Commission, and served on a year-long Governor’s Tourism Task Force. She was recognized as a “We Can” recipient of the Kansas Sampler Foundation, was recognized by the Kansas Legislature as one of Kansas’ businesses of the year, and was featured with life-long friend Terry Tietjens in Kansas! Magazine as a “Kansas Finest” for promoting Kansas.
Marilyn co-authored with Shirley Buchanan “A True Account of the 1911 ‘Tar Party’ of Shady Bend, Kansas”, blending her love of Kansas history and story-telling. Marlin Fitzwater, former White House Press Secretary and a friend of Marilyn’s wrote the forward for the book and helped promote it.
Survivors include her husband, Martin of Tescott; daughter Patty Sargent and husband Andy of Papillion, NE; son Jon Helmer of Denver, Co; son Paul Helmer of Henderson, NV; grandsons Aaron Sargent of LaVista, NE and Conner Sargent of Pelham, NH; great grandchildren Thomas Sargent and Nathan Sargent of LaVista, NE; sister Nadene Lauer (Keith, deceased) of McPherson, KS; sister-in-law Eleanor Correll (Dale, deceased of Abilene, KS. Marilyn is also survived by brothers-in-law David Helmer (Marilyn), Paul Helmer (Charlene), Ted Helmer (Carolyn), sister-in-law Cynthia Helmer (Luther, deceased) and brother-in-law Keith Stuewe (Ruth, deceased), and many nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sister Doris Moore and husband Maurice of Waterloo, IA, and brother Dale Correll (deceased) of Abilene, KS.
Whether doling out sunflower seed cookies, pie, a cup of coffee or imparting wisdom, showing love through hospitality was her passion. Marilyn shared her infectious personality, generous spirit and genuine caring nature to all who knew her. She was a deeply committed Christian who shared the light of Jesus through the way she lived her life and through her love and caring concern for everyone she encountered.
Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, November 1, 2025, 11 AM, at the Lincoln High School gymnasium, 701 E. North St., Lincoln, KS. Luncheon to follow at the Lincoln County Historical Museum, 216 W. Lincoln Ave, Lincoln, KS.
Memorials to be designated to the Lincoln County Humane Society, the Lincoln County Historical Society and the Church of the Brethren Global Food Initiative and may be mailed to Wilson Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 166, Minneapolis, KS 67467.