Rodolofo E. "Rod" Helmer Sr., age 66, a resident of Compton, IL, died Sunday, February 24, 2019, at St. Anthony's Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois. He was born January 14, 1953 in Chicago, IL.

Rod was a passionate St. Louis Cardinals fan. He loved to relax with a beer and a Cardinals game.

He is survived by six children, Rechelle Neamtu (Octavian) of Tuscola, IL, Rodd (Kristina) Helmer Jr. of Jacksonville, FL, Randahl (Valerie) of Mendota, IL, Roanna Rosado of Compton, IL, Chloe (Jacob) Nelson of Princeton, IL and Caleb (Shelly) of Earlville, IL; nine grandchildren, Serenity, Desirae, Tavi, Xander, Joleacia, Ford, Ryan, L.J., and Payton; one brother, Chan Byrd; one sister, Rowena Helmer; and many, many more nieces & nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews that he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Coral; his son, Roger; his brother, Ralph; and his parents, Treola and Charles.

Services and interment will be private.