Gary Helm

Gerhard W. Helm, age 93, passed away on November 28th, 2023, in his home on the Tongue River with loved ones at his side. Gerhard (Gary) was born in his childhood home at Watson Flats near Rocks Springs, MT to Johann and Eva Helm. He was the youngest of eight living children. Later, as a young man, he would remodel that home and make it his home with his beloved wife Pat for many years.

Gary attended elementary school at the Purewater School, located on the edge of his family's ranch. He had the privilege of being one of only two family members to graduate from high school. Gary attended Garfield County High School, and lived in the dormitory during the week, as the ranch was 40 miles from Jordan.

Gary met the love of his life, Patricia Spears, at a Kinsey dance. They were married on September 27th, 1953 and danced their way through life for two weeks short of 69 years. Gary and Pat were blessed with their first child, Gary Paul, in 1954. He was followed by Rick in 1955, Tom in 1956, and Kathy 1958. Gary was very active in teaching his children the ways of the ranch. He also loved to help his kids with their animal projects in 4-H. Due to the success of the 4-H steers, Gary was asked why he was not raising bulls instead of steers. This idea led Gary to begin raising registered Herford cattle, and Helm Herford Ranch was born. Alongside his cattle, Gary also produced wheat, oats, and barley.

Adding on to the ranch and building a legacy for his children was of great importance to Gary. In 1977, Gary and Pat began a new adventure purchasing the Tongue River Ranch, where they proudly expanded their registered Herford business for many years. Gary enjoyed meeting new challenges, and was successful with diversification. As the times changed, so did his operations. Over time, pivots were purchased and beans and malting barley took over. Eventually, feed corn and commercial livestock became the products of choice. Gary continued to enjoy driving tractor and combining until he was 88! Gary was a part of ranch decisions and checking in on the day-to-day ranch operations until his last days.

Being an involved and forward-thinking community member, Gary served on many boards, including the National Farmers Union Association, McCone Electric, Farm Credit, Southern Electric, and Tongue River Electric Co-Op. Also being a man of progress, he played a crucial role in continuing the Little Dry irrigation project so his and several other ranches could water their hay land. These are just a few of his many achievements.

Gary's favorite activities outside the ranch included playing cards with the neighbors, going to country dances, going fishing at Fort Peck Lake, going to Las Vegas for the NFR, watching rodeos, and drinking chocolate milk shakes.

Gary is survived by Gary Paul (Vicki) of Miles City, Rick (Irene) Helm of Thermopolis, Tom (Alieda) Helm of Toston, and Kathy (Jim) Bowers of Broadus; grandchildren Aaron (Cody) Helm, Jamie (Casey) Helm, Travis (Jenny) Helm, Brent (Shawna) Helm, Starre Helm, Boone Helm, Kascade (Abby) Helm, Sherry (Coaly) Huckins, Kristy (John) Elgin, Mike (Amber) Bowers; and 15 great grandchildren Cole, Clay, and Carter Helm; Colter Paxon and Adelyn Helm; Cassie, Chloe, Thea, and Era Moore; Ashlee and Brayden Helm; Fallon, Malin, and Finn Huckins; Jack and Jordy Elgin; and Sammie Hart. He is also survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Pat, as well as his parents and his siblings.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Grace Bible Church or the Custer County Senior Citizens Drop-in Center Fund, P.O. Box 1263, Miles City, MT 59301, or the charity of one's choice.

A special thanks goes out to the wonderful hospice employees that made Gary's last days pleasant ones.

Family will Receive Friends on Thursday December 7, 2023, at Stevenson & Son's Funeral Home in Miles City from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Grace Bible Church in Miles City on Friday, December 8, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the family lot at Custer County Cemetery.