Gene Hellstern
Eugene J. Hellstern was born September 20, 1926 in Wellington, KS to Eugene R. and Beulah Hellstern. He grew up on a wheat farm in South Haven, KS and excelled in his school studies, as well as all the sports activities available to him. He entered the Navy during WWII and served as an Aviation Radioman on a PBM Mariner. On Christmas Day, 1946 he married Dorothy Blanch Wynne, and the couple began their studies at Phillips University, earning a BA in Theology. He then earned a Master of Theology from Vanderbilt University and later attended the University of Oklahoma where he completed a Master of Arts and most of the work toward a PhD.
He and Dorothy pastored numerous Disciples of Christ churches in KY, TN, KS, and OK. In the mid 60’s he began teaching History, Humanities, and Archaeology at Central State University, retiring in 1992. In 1971 he was awarded “UCO Teach of the Year”. He served as the President of the Faculty Senate from 1969-71 and again from 1972-1973. He also served as the President of the Oklahoma Anthropological Society from 1993 to 1999. Throughout his teaching career he and Dorothy continued serving several Oklahoma and Kansas churches as interim ministers.
Their greatest enjoyment in retirement came from traveling and spending time with their grandchildren.
Gene was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy and their oldest son Mark. Surviving family members include son Paul, and daughters-in-law Amalia and Rhonda, his brother John Hellstern, as well as several grandchildren and a great-grandson. Memorial services will be 3pm Saturday, November 10th at Matthews Funeral Home.
I am sorry for the death of your dear Mr. Hellstern. The God of heavens shares your loss also (Ezekiel 18:32). He promises to return him to life again (Hosea 13:14). He will be young and in perfect health (Job 33:25). Jesus taught us to pray for that wonderful future at Matthew 6:9-10. The free website, JW.ORG, has been my guide to Bible verses on comfort and hope over the years. It is my sincere wish that you will find it useful as well. My heartfelt condolences to all of you. Philippians 4:6-7. Psalm 37:11, 29.
Thinking of you at this time. I am very sorry to hear that you have lost someone so precious to your heart. You will all be in my thoughts. Your family has always been close to ours living in the South Haven area. I know I always enjoyed coming out to the family farm. Easter was only one of the special times.
Ruth (Wariner) Ashworth
I an sorry to hear of your loss. Gene was a wonderful Minister of God’s word, I wonder how many knew he was wonderful on the piano. In High School we would gather around the piano to hear his talent playing boogie woogie as his fingers flew over the keys. I remember him playing at Church when it became necessary for someone to fill that spot,also. He was a joy to know.
My heart goes out to all of you, Gene’s family, in the loss of such a kind and loving man. He was pastor in the South Haven Christian Church when I was saved, and was my first pastor. He and Dorothy were strong in their Christian faith, and Gene was not only learned about the Holy Bible, but he cared deeply about living in a way that encouraged both learning and doing the things that make us all stronger, and kinder to one another. He was an example, and pointed the way. I remember his good humor, and his patience. He loved each member of their family, and was always happy to share the same forbearance with his extended family in the church, and our community.
I know he has had health problems for some time, but that’s all over now that he is with our beloved Lord, who has welcomed him home. A good and faithful servant has gone to his eternal reward.
I was sorry to read about the passing of Mr. Hellstern. He was my instructor for a couple of courses at Central State, and they were two of my favorite classes in all of college. I doubt I’m the only student who ever thought so, either. He was a great teacher and a truly nice man. Paul, I wish you and your family the best during this painful period.
Paul, my deepest sympathy to your family. Your dad was a wonderful minister at Del City Christian Church and a very nice man. As a child, I remember many Sunday dinners after church with your family. May memories of happier times help you and your family through this difficult time. Another “good guy” has left this world.
I have many great memories of Dorothy and Gene and their young boys, Mark and Paul, while they were ministering Del City Christian Church. Paul, I am deeply sorry for the loss of your dad and your other family members that have gone before him. My prayers go out to you and your family at this difficult time.
Mr. Hellstern was one of my professors at UCO. He was a professional who truly cared about his students. He was kind man who wanted things to be better than he found them.