BISHOP CHARLES H. HELMSING

Bishop Charles H. Helmsing, 85, retired bishop of the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese and founding bishop of the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocese, died Monday, Dec. 20, 1993, in a rehabilitation facility in Johnson County.

He was born March 23, 1908, at Shrewsbury.

Helmsing was appointed auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of St. Louis March 17, 1949. He was named first bishop of the newly established Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau in August 1956, and was installed Nov. 18.

Helmsing was appointed bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph Jan. 17, 1962, and installed April 3. He retired Aug. 17, 1977.

Survivors include nieces and nephews.

A vigil service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Monday at Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Kansas City.

Funeral mass will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the cathedral.

A memorial mass will be held Jan. 1 at St. Agnes Cathedral in Springfield by Bishop John J. Leibrecht.