Rodney Lee “Lerch” Helseth was born June 13, 1959, in Los Angeles, CA. He was raised in Modesto, Ca where he graduated in 1977 from Downey High School and had an amazing baseball and football career. He continued his education with an athletic scholarship to play football for University of Arizona. Rod moved up to Tuolumne County in the late 80’s and became a well-known member of the community. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, and all things sports. There was nothing he loved more than his kids and grandkids. He held a special place in his heart for his nephews and nieces who he cared for like his own. Most people will remember him for his tall stature and almost always wearing his Dodgers gear and compare him to a big teddy bear with a heart of gold. He was a loving father, uncle, and great friend. He worked hard and played hard! Rod was always the guy who was always helping others, no matter what that looked like at the time be it helping with kids’ sports, helping people move, giving people a place to live, working on projects at his church, and so on. He passed away in Las Vegas on September 17, 2025, and leaves behind his daughter Holly, and son Erik as well as his brother Larry and his grandchildren Elijah, Logan, Mason and Magnolia. A celebration of life will be held on November 2nd at Crystal Falls Clubhouse at 12pm.
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