Albert E. Helke, 83, of Oberlin passed away Wednesday November 6, 2013 at his home. He was born February 19, 1930 in Cleveland and was a lifelong Oberlin resident. Albert worked as a self-employed carpenter for many years, was a United States Army veteran and a member of the Oberlin V.F.W. Post 6273. He enjoyed going to the V.F.W. every Friday for a good home cooked meal and also greatly enjoyed going to the McDonald's in Oberlin to have coffee with his friends. He also collected coins with his close friend/cousin Myron Bremke. Survivors include his daughters, Debra (Phil) Huston, Kathy (Donald) Helke and Teresa Cole; sons, Jeff (Jena) Helke, Steven (Heather) Helke, James Pettit and Kevin O'Keefe. 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren, and former wife, Linda Helke. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Olga Helke, great-granddaughters, Merissa Johnson and Sahara Pettit., twin sister, Millie Allen and brother, Dick Helke. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of a Memorial Service at 5:00 p.m. at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57), Elyria. Private burial will be at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Rittman, OH. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the V.F.W. Post 6273 42368 Oberlin Rd. Elyria, OH. 44035. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com Service: 5:00 PM THursday November 14, 2013 Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, OH. Visitation: 4:00-5:00 p.m. Thursday November 14, 2013 Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, OH.