Wesley Van Helten

November 3, 1964 - June 11, 2022

Wes Van Helten, 57, of Oskaloosa, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at his home in Oskaloosa. Wesley Roy Van Helten, son of Marion “Buck” Van Helten and Donna Jean (Burkhart) Almond, was born November 3, 1964 in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He was a 1983 graduate of Oskaloosa High School. After high school, he enlisted in the army and served as a motor transport operator and a power generation equipment operator until his discharge on March 10, 1987. On March 13, 2010, he married Davina Renea Cooper, the love of his life for the prior 16 years. He began his career as a carpenter working with his father; throughout his life, he worked for Hawkeye Lumber Company, building pole barns, Allen Blasting & Coating, Brace Industrial, and Steve Hynick Tree Service. Wesley lived for his family and racing. He was always doing incredible things with his wife and children. He loved riding his Harley with his wife and hitting the open roads. He also loved Figure 8 Racing, 4-Wheeler Racing, and Go-Cart Racing and participated in some derbies with his kids. Some of his greatest joys were hanging out in the backyard, having cookouts, playing games, sharing memories, drinking a Busch Light with friends and family, and jamming to the music. He was an avid mushroom hunter, a fan of NASCAR and the Kansas City Chiefs Football, and a member of the V.F.W. Wes is survived by his wife, Davina of Oskaloosa, his children: Mike (Courtney) Cooper, Clinton (Kallie) Van Helten, and Kenzie Van Helten; a much-anticipated grandson is due to arrive in August, Graysn Andrew Cooper; a brother: Tony Almond; sisters: Marian “Marlene” Van Helten and Jeannie (Brad) Sparks; several nephews, nieces and great-nephews and nieces: Steve (Samantha) Krusemark and their children, Braxton and Maddie; Austin (Stephanie) Krusemark; Stephanie (Brandon) Jordon and their children: Mia, Maxlynn, and Maizlee; Bradley Jordon; Corey (Braylee) Osterloh and their daughter, Zaylee; Kayla (Jake Evans) Jordon and their children: Addison and Benson; and Cassie Trent Van Genderen and their children: Kailyn, Laila, Zoe, and Kaden. He is also survived by his mother and father-in-law, Dennis and Melody Cooper; brothers-in-law: Gene Cooper, David (Dawn) Cooper, and Albert (Jessica) Cooper; aunts: Janice Van Helten, Dixie (Allen) Smith, Connie Breuklander; and uncles: Bobby Burkart, Ralph (Errma) Sorenson, Jim (Penny) Almond, and Danny (Judy) Mitchell; and a special uncle and aunt, Mike and Janie Sage. Wes was preceded in death by an infant son, Zachary; his father, Marion “Buck” Van Helten, his mother and step-father, Donna and Steve Bowen; his grandparents: Tony and Nellie Van Helten and Manford and Nellie Burkhart; aunts and uncles: Carol Myers, Dick Breuklander, LeRoy Van Helten, LeRoy Almond, and Sherill and Alberta Rankin; a great-uncle, Marian Gordon; and cousins: Doug Van Helten and JT Myers. As was his wish, Wes’ body has been cremated. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at 1 p.m. at the V.F.W. of Oskaloosa. Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory has been entrusted with his arrangements. Memorials can be made to Wes’ family.