Rev. RALPH MARVIN HELSEL, 91, of Wichita, Kansas, passed away Tuesday morning, September 4, 2012.

Born June 25, 1921 in McPherson, Kansas, he was the son of Samuel Frank and Ollie (Phillips) Helsel. He was raised in McPherson and Meade, Kansas. He graduated from Meade High School, Central College in McPherson and Seattle Pacific College in Seattle, Washington.

Ralph was united in marriage to Rosemary Siddens on June 21, 1944 in Kansas City, Kansas. The couple made their first home in Macksville, Kansas. Rosemary preceded him in death on December 19, 2009.

Rev. Helsel was a minister in the Free Methodist Church throughout his career, pastoring first at Macksville, then at Densmore, Bethany, Manhattan, Caldwell and lastly at Wichita Riverside Where he retired in 1986.

Ralph was a member of Northwest Free Methodist Church in Wichita. He enjoyed photography, writing, bird watching and woodworking.

His family includes:
His sons: Richard Helsel and wife, Sue; and David Helsel and wife, Marlene, all of Dexter;
His daughters: Joyce Lowe and husband, Dick of Caldwell; and Debbie Simmons and husband, Michael of Oklahoma City;
His grandchildren: James Lowe and wife, Camilla; Aaron Lowe and wife, Christina; Wendy Just and husband, Jason; Amy Thurlow and husband, Roger; Sarah Bradley and husband, Buck; Rachel Simmons; Greg Helsel and wife, Monica; and Heather Helsel and fiance, Todd Lowrie; and
His great grandchildren: Kaylee, Jonathan and Micael Lowe; Avery and Renly Just; Lily Thurlow, Grayson Helsel, and Tucker and Cooper Bradley.

In addition to his parents and wife, Ralph was preceded in death by his brothers, Raymond, Everett, Wesley, Lewis and Frank, and his sister, Juanita Reimer-Love.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. at the Northwest Free Methodist Church at 3224 North Tyler Road in Wichita. A viewing will be held at Miles Funeral Service on Friday evening, September 7 from 4 to 8 P.M. The family will greet visitors from 6 to 8 that evening. A viewing will also take place from 1:00 until service time on Saturday. Interment will be held at Caldwell Cemetery in Caldwell, Kansas at 4:30 P.M. following services on Saturday.

Memorials have been established in Rev. Helsel's name for Northwest Free Methodist Church and for Harry Hynes Hospice. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.