Eli J. Helmuth, 83, died Dec. 27, 2011, at Promise Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson, Kan.

He was born Aug. 3, 1928, to John and Fannie Bontrager Helmuth in Hutchinson, Kan.

He attended school at Elmhurst school.

On Aug. 5, 1948, he married Katie Nisly in Hutchinson, Kan. She survives.

Eli, along with his wife Katie, co-founded Helmuth Country Bakery and the Dutch Kitchen. He was a farmer and a member of the Gideons and one of the founding members of Plainview Mennonite Church.

He is survived by sons, Larry Helmuth and wife Donna of Weems, Va., Luke Helmuth and wife Victoria of Hutchinson, Kan.; daughters, Karen Morgan and husband Edward of Mountain View, Ark., Nadine Patton and husband Gary of Phoenix, Ariz.; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Mast of Hutchinson, Kan., Clara Miller of Partridge, Kan., and Barbara Eller of Jacksonville, Fla.; and brother, (Hans) Merlyn Helmuth of Littleton, Colo. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Elvon, John Jr., Monroe and Henry; and sister, Katie Depew.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, at Plainview Mennonite Church, rural Hutchinson, Kan., with Pastor Terry Yoder and Pastor Luke Helmuth presiding. Burial will follow at Plainview Mennonite Church Cemetery. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to noon Friday at Elliott Mortuary. Family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Plainview Mennonite Church, 5610 West Trail West Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International and Plainview Mennonite Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson KS 67501.