helvering was nominated by president franklin d. roosevelt on september 14, 1943, to a seat on the united states district court for the district of kansas vacated by judge richard joseph hopkins. he was confirmed by the united states senate on september 28, 1943, and received his commission on october 11, 1943. his service terminated on july 4, 1946, due to his death in washington, d.c. he was interred in marysville cemetery in marysville.