Ted Helmer, 77

Ted J. Helmer passed away peacefully at his home in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, on November 6, 2024, at the age of 77.

He was born March 25, 1947, in Spokane, Washington, to Theodore (Ted) V. and Helen (Winterer) Helmer.

Ted graduated from Bonners Ferry High School in 1965 and the University of Idaho in 1970, with a degree in business marketing. He was an officer-trained ROTC graduate, and he proudly played trumpet in both schools’ bands. 

A true Idahoan, Ted relished hunting and fishing in the mountains surrounding Boundary County, and it was his love of the mountains that led him to serve as a forest service worker during summer breaks from school.

In his capacity as a marketer, Ted worked for Osco Drug for 29 years, first in Twin Falls and Idaho Falls, and then in Billings, Montana, before relocating to California. While in California, Ted met his future wife, Therese Boll, whom he married in Kauai, Hawaii, in 2004. 

Upon his 2005 retirement, Ted and Therese spent their time traveling the world and remodeling first their Bonners Ferry home and then their beloved Kootenay Lake home in British Colombia, Canada. He also took great pleasure in “playing the market,” which he did with great facility.

Ted was preceded in death by his mother, Helen (Winterer) Helmer and father, Ted V. Helmer; father-in-law Stephen H. Boll; mother-in-law Elizabeth J. Boll; brothers-in-law Stephen H. Boll Jr.,  Byron C. Boll; and Randy Konschake. He is survived by his beloved wife Therese; his sister Ann Jewell; his nephews Jim (Karen) Jewell, Kevin (Jo) Jewell, and his niece Theresa (the late Kevin) Malarkey; brother-in-law Tim (Maureen) Boll, sisters-in-law Mary Konschake, Betsy (Gary) Tomlinson, Janice (Mike) Baum and Bonnie Boll; and many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bonners Ferry Funeral Home, 6485 Harrison St., with recitation of the Rosary to be at 6 p.m. The following day a Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, followed by internment at Grandview Cemetery. Arrangements by Bonners Ferry Funeral Home. To leave a message or memory for the family please go to bonnersferryfuneralhome.com.