Helmer worked for the neighbors as a young man, and became a skilled painter, he was also well known as the fireman with the steam threshing crew. He married Annie Onstad in October of 1943 and farmed the Onstad family farm with his brother-in-law.  In 1945 he bought the local gas station, operating it until 1969. He passed away in November of 1969.

Annie, following her graduation from Harvey High School and Interstate Business College in Fargo, worked in offices in the Fessenden area. In 1942 she went to Washington, DC and was employed by the U. S. Department of the Navy until 1943 when she was married. Later she worked in the local post office as temporary clerk, served as Deputy County Superintendent of Schools for Wells County, and worked as parish secretary for the church. After Helmer’s death she continued to live in Manfred until 1986. At that time she moved to Bismarck. She passed away in December 2002.

Helmer and Annie were active in Vang Lutheran Church, in the Fagerlund #203 Sons of Norway and in community activities.  Annie was a member of the Manfred Homemakers Club. She taught Sunday School for 17 years and Bible School for 5 years.  She was School District treasurer for many years. When she moved to Bismarck she transferred her church membership to Trinity Lutheran in Bismarck and her Sons of Norway membership to Sverdrup #107 attending both regularly. She was active in the church circle and in the Sons of Norway Hardanger crafts group.