Donald "Donnie" Helt (1929-1952)
- Sympathy is extended to the W.D. Long family who received the sad news Monday evening of the death of Donald Helt, soldier husband of Geraldine Long, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Long of W. Main Street. Although details are incomplete, relatives learned that Donald, stationed in Korea, was drowned.
This June12, 1952, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 1, column 2:
Husband of Lowell Girl Drowned in Korea May 23
Pfc. Donald Helt, 23 years of age, drowned on May 23rd in Korea when a boat in which he was riding capsized.This information was received last week by his widow, the former Geraldine Long, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Long of West Main Street.
The telegram does not state whether his body has been recovered. No details were given as to other occupants of the boat. The telegram explained that additional details would be sent in a letter.
Donnie was inducted into the service in June, 1951, and was sent to Korea last December.
Born February 4th, 1929, at Naperville, Ill., his family moved to a farm northeast of Manhattan when he was quite young. He was educated in the Manhattan schools and then entered Peotone High School, from where he was graduated. Prior to his induction he was working as a carpenter.
Donnie and Geraldine were married on May 31st, 1951, at St. Edward's church in Lowell.
Mrs. Helt resides in the home which Donnie Helt built at Manhattan before their marriage.
Other survivors include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Helt, one brother, Edward, and two sisters, Miss Ruth, and Mrs. Marcella Joho, all of the Manhattan community.
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