Miramar Beach, Florida - Ernest B. Helin, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away July 1, 2026, in Miramar Beach, Florida. Born in Meriden, Connecticut on August 30, 1938, Ernie moved with his parents to Sandusky, Ohio during his youth and picked up the love of golf. He then graduated from Ohio University in 1960. Ernie was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and admitted to the Golden Legion by virtue of over 50 years of service.

Ernie served in the United States Army and was assigned to Camp Hovey, Korea and then to Washington DC. After service, Ernie returned to Ohio University to attend graduate school. It was during this time he met Karen Jennie Kelch, and they were married in 1964 in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

Ernie devoted his career to Hospital Administration which took him and family to many states and new opportunities. He and Karen relocated to Rockledge, Florida in 1969 and continued growing their family. After many working years, his passion for learning and teaching took the family to Norman, Oklahoma where he pursued his MA and PHD in the mid 1980's. The next chapter was to Arkansas where he built a new hospital and was appointed chief executive officer. In 2000, Ernie and Karen returned to Florida for the first of many retirement locations.

Ernie was preceded in death by his mother, father, sister Doris Apelgren, and his wife Karen of 60 years. He is survived by identical twin daughters Anna Helin Sullivan (husband Mark) of Dallas, Texas and Sarah Helin Gross (husband Dale) of Acworth, Georgia and son Eric Scott Helin (wife Pam) of Palm Coast, Florida. He is also survived by grandsons Parker Gross, Luke Sullivan, Jake Sullivan and Mitch Sullivan. Survivors also include nephew Scott Apelgren and niece Trayce Apelgren Percival.

Ernie's remains will be united with his wife Karen's at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Medina County, Ohio.

IN COELO QUIES EST