Bruce A. Helbling, 69, of South Bend, passed away under the care of hospice on Friday, December 18, 2020 at his residence. He was born on March 30, 1951 to the late Kenneth Helbling and Gloria May (Myers) Helbling, who survives him.

Bruce is also survived by his close cousin, Deborah Decker of Mishawaka; children, Carrie Ann Frost of Pennsylvania and Bruce (Kathleen) Helbling Jr. of Elkhart; six grandchildren; one great grandchild; and brother, Todd (Betty) Helbling of Elkhart. He is preceded in death by his father.

A private graveside service with full military honors will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI with Pastor Jeremy Sarber officiating. A celebration of life gathering and service will be at a later date at First General Baptist Church of Osceola. Cremation was chosen and is under the care of Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St, Elkhart. Memorial donations may be given to the family, in c/o Deborah Decker, to help pay for funeral expenses.

Bruce served proudly in the United States Army and was enlisted from July 1968 to 1988, ranking as Sergeant First Class. He then enlisted in the Indiana Army National Guard from December 1988 to August 2002 when he retired. He previously worked for the Elkhart Armory and enjoyed serving his country. Bruce was a decorated soldier with many accomplishments to his name, such as being awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Armed Force Reserve Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, among many others. Bruce will be missed by his loving family who will always see him as an all-American hero.