William P Helfrich, Jr

William “Bill” Paul Helfrich, 63, died on Saturday, June 18, 2016, with his family by his side at his home in Ephrata, Washington. Bill was born in February 1953 at Everett, Washington to William “Bill Sr.” and Esther (McMurray) Helfrich. He married his wife, Debra June (Webb) Helfrich, in 2005 in Waterville, Washington. Bill loved gardening, being outdoors, and cooking. Bill is survived by his wife, Debbie; his parents, William and Vernel Helfrich; son, Jonathan Helfrich; stepbrothers, Alan and Dale; stepsisters, Joy and Ann; stepson, Kevin Hale and wife Terri; stepson David; stepdaughter, Evelyn; and by his grandchildren, Preston, Taylor, Gunnar, Jenae, and Kaitlyn. During his final days, Bill deeply mourned what he considered to be lost time he had wasted living for himself and not serving the Lord. His sorrow was that of a repentant heart, moved by his own sins and failings, but also eager to be right with God. His firm confidence was that God’s love demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ was still his to receive by faith – and that’s exactly what he did. Loved ones sat and read verses of the Bible with Bill. After reading such verses as John 3:16, Bill would weep and thank the Lord for His unfailing mercy. “God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, so that whoever believes in (trusts in and surrenders to) Him would never perish but have eternal life” (Jn. 3:16). Bill’s greatest desire was to settle things with his Savior and receive the forgiveness and cleansing that only comes through the blood of Jesus. And that he did! His second greatest desire was to see his closest family and loved ones likewise trust in and give their lives to Jesus, so that he would know they would be with him in Heaven for all of eternity. Bill wanted his loved ones to know that God’s grace and salvation are a free gift to the undeserving, and that as a gift they have to be received through repentance and faith! Viewing will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Nicoles Funeral Home, 157 C St. NW, Ephrata. Funeral service and reception will be held Saturday, June 25 at 1 p.m. at Bread of Life Community Church, 140 14th Ave NW, Ephrata, WA, 98823. Graveside service to follow at Valley View Memorial Park in Soap Lake, Washington. For more information about the funeral service, please contact Pastor Thomas Karrer, 509-885-8181, or Nicoles Funeral Home, 509-754-3420. Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at www.nicolesfuneralhome.com Arrangements are under the care of Nicoles Funeral Home of Ephrata, Wash.

Tributes

William P Helfrich, Jr

February 23, 1953 - June 18, 2016