Ernest Eugene Heleine

Ernest E. Heleine of Terre Haute, IN, formerly of Marshall, IL, age 79, died on August 29, 2018, at his home with family and friends at his side.

Born in York Township, Illinois, March 10, 1939, Ernie was the eldest of six children of Glen Heleine and Mildred Ledermann Heleine.  He and his siblings grew up on a small farm on the Darwin Road in Darwin Township, referred to locally as, “The Heleine Corner.”

Upon being graduated from Marshall High School in 1957, Ernie worked locally for several years, farming and driving a grain truck, until drafted into the United States Army.  He received basic training at Fort Polk, LA, and then finished his two year stint in the military with the 101st Airborne at Fort Campbell, KY.  Following military service, he joined the U.S. Post Office in Terre Haute, where he worked for 37 years, until retirement in 2002. Never one to be idle, and following his belief that, “they are not making any more land,” Ernie also pursued interests in purchasing real estate and farm ground. In retirement, Ernie fulfilled his enthusiasm for cars, joining his car buddies at the auctions, buying and selling cars. While Ernie loved talking about investing, his most passionate investment was in others, lending a hand to anyone in need. All those who knew Ernie will remember his kindness, generosity and compassion for others.

Ernie is survived by Linda after a life together of 25 years; three siblings: Fred Heleine (Susan) of Nazareth, PA; Reta Kirk of Kokomo, IN; Chuck Heleine (Judy) of Charlotte, NC; children: Amy  Heleine (Josh) of Indianapolis and Darin Heleine of Terre Haute; stepchildren: Laura Kraycsi (Chris) and Lisa Long (Andy) of Terre Haute; and Lawrence Long of California; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and his beloved dog, Sassy; all of whom he loved greatly.

He was predeceased by his parents, an infant sister, Viola Joan, and a sister, Irene.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Greiner Funeral Home, Terre Haute, and internment will be in the Forest Lawn Cemetery, Greenwood, IN. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, September 8th, Foursquare Gospel Church, Terre Haute. Visitation is 11 am to 1 pm, with church services to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Dunlap Cemetery Fund c/o Robert Hedges, 24803 E. 200th Rd., Dennison, IL, 62423 or Chances and Services for Youth, 1101 S. 13th St., Terre Haute, IN, 47802.

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