Helma E. Kleinschmidt, 92, of Columbia, died April 15, 2024, at Mercy Hospital South, St. Louis. She was born Nov. 9, 1931, in Columbia, daughter of the late George and Elsie (nee Reichert) Stemler. She was married to the late William J. Kleinschmidt. They were married Sept. 10, 1950, in Columbia. He had passed away July 13, 2012.

Helma was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Columbia, where she had taught Sunday School for many years, Columbia Senior Citizens, and the American Legion Post 581 Auxiliary, where she was a faithful volunteer until her health wouldn’t allow. She had retired from K-Mart with over 35 years of service.

Surviving are her daughters Debra (David) Storm of Effingham, Sandra (Michael) Lawlor of Columbia and Cynthia (Roger) Newton of Columbia; grandchildren Adam (Lindsey) Storm, Derek (Andrea) Storm, Mandy (Curtis) Willingham, Kristy (Luke) Row and Ryan (Carly) Newton of Waterloo; great-grandchildren Conner, Colin and Theo Storm, Lila and Everett Storm, Lillian and Owen Willingham, Brock and Chase Row and Kaden Newton; sister Hilma Kleinschmidt of Millstadt; sisters-in-law Rosalie Stemler of Columbia and Loretta Vogt of Columbia; along with other relatives and friends.

She was also preceded in death by her sister Helen Wilde; brothers Harold Stemler, Herbert (Marlyn) Stemler, Homer Stemler, Albert Stemler and Hurlan Stemler; along with a grandson Reed William Newton.

Visitation is 9:30-11 a.m. April 20 at St. Paul United Church of Christ, Columbia. 

A funeral services will follow at the church with Pastor Jonathan Bangera officiating. 

Interment will be in the Evangelical St. Paul Cemetery, Columbia. 

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to: St. Paul United Church of Christ, Columbia; or  American Legion Post 581 Auxiliary.

Leesman Funeral Home, Columbia, handled arrangements.