John Ralph Helmen

John "Jack" Ralph Helmen John "Jack" Ralph Helmen at 83 years young, made his transition on March 4, 2024 in Alexandria, MN from Alzheimer's Disease. Jack is preceded in death by his wife, Rute Helmen (Zarins); parents, Ralph and Henrietta (Peterson) Helmen; his sister, Marjorie Thompson; brother-in-law, Thoburn Thompson; and nephew, Ian Thompson. He was born and raised in Milaca, MN. Where he grew up fishing, hunting, playing baseball and being a mischievous youth. Jack joined the Milaca National Guard in 1961 then was honorably discharged in 1967. He graduated from The University of Minnesota with a degree in Business Administration, also in 1967. He worked for PAKO Corporation in Minneapolis from 1959-1976, departing the company as the vice president of marketing. In 1977 he joined Supra Color Inc. as president; worked in ownership and took it to an employee-owned company (ESOP) in 1986. He remained president and general manager until 1992 when he sold to Kodak's holding company. He stayed on as president until 1997 when he accepted the position of CEO of a small NASDAQ company, Photo Control Corp. That organization merged with another company, and he retired in 2006. Jack served on the board of the Association of Profession Color Labs (APCL) from 1988-1994 and was president of the board in 1993. Jack may have titled a manager, but he was a true leader. In 1963 he married Rute Zarins, his wife of nearly 55 years. They enjoyed traveling, cruising and time with family and friends. They lived in Eden Prairie, MN until 2001 when they built Up North on Roosevelt Lake. Starting in 2005 they divided their time between Outing, MN and Hurricane, UT. They made lasting friendships wherever they lived. Jack was an avid golfer, Gin and Poker player, and he loved playing the stock market. He was a great cook, window washer and cocktail creator. The last 5 years he lived in Alexandria, MN near his daughter's family, where his presence was a true gift. He will be greatly missed. Survived by: daughter, Nicole (Matt) Warner; grandson, Jack Warner; and nieces, Catherine (Phil) James, Sarah Tonn, and Sue (John) Helgeson. A memorial service will be at 11am Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the Washburn-McReavy Crystal Lake Chapel & Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN. Visitation at 10am, and burial and reception to follow service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alzheimer's Association or ELCA World Hunger.

Tributes

John Ralph Helmen

July 16, 1940 - March 4, 2024

Tributes

John Ralph Helmen

July 16, 1940 - March 4, 2024

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