Edwin J. Helman

Service : Thursday, January 2nd at 2:30 pm
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service
Shalom Memorial Funeral Home
1700 West Rand Road
Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand Road
Arlington Heights

Shiva Information

Normandy Hill Clubhouse
3948 Dundee Road
Northbrook, Illinois 60062

Thursday, following the service.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Edwin Helman on December 30, 2024. The cause of death was simply old age – his time had come and he was ready. Born and raised near Holubina, Czechoslovakia (now Ukraine), Edwin was the oldest of four siblings – his father calculated board footage for a lumber company and so Edwin became very good in mathematics. As the eldest child, he was sent to Chicago to his uncle’s family to attend school, work, and send money home to eventually bring his family over to this country. Imagine being 14 years old, with a suitcase and a train ticket to Chicago arriving in New York City and not speaking any English.

Ed thrived in school and like most healthy teenagers enjoyed activities and spending time with friends. It was around that time when he met Adele Lukatsky (Helman), a talented pianist. With the outbreak of World War 2 Ed tried to enlist but was rejected because he was not a citizen. The US Army did draft him, and he served in France as an artillery gunner. He tried to get back to his hometown but was unable. He then found out that his entire family was murdered by the Nazis.

After the war Ed settled into civilian life, including courting Adele. They were married in 1948 and had Joel (1949) and Bruce (1951). After a series of jobs including shoe sales, Ed met a man who had a unique business of financing airplane tickets. His clients were mostly Puerto Rican folks who needed to bring their families to Chicago. This small, specific business thrived, providing a good living until eventually credit cards became widely available. Through airline connections, Adele and Ed took many trips across the world.

They also moved out to the suburbs (Skokie) like many people. There they lived a normal life raising their family. Ed liked to play golf, cards, and socialize with friends. After Adele passed away in 2008, Ed never remarried. He used to say, “after 62 years with one woman, that’s enough.”

Known for his patience, sense of fairness, and general kind demeanor, he lived his life well. Nothing fancy or flashy, just a guy you could count on. He will be missed.

Ed is survived by Joel and Jenny Helman, their daughter Gabrielle, and granddaughter Adi. Bruce and Marika Helman, their daughters Michelle and Julia.

Chapel service, Thursday 2:30 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. For shiva information or to leave condolences: Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.