Henry Helmke

Henry Helmke passed away on Monday, November 25th at Baptist South Hospital in Montgomery, Alabama. He was with his family and passed after a lengthy illness. He was born on August 8, 1931, the son of Anna and Henry Helmke in the Bronx New York. He led a full and happy life. His parents moved to Waldwick, New Jersey and he attended schools there and after graduating Ramsey High School, he served in the Army. Following this he graduated from Duke University attaining a Bachelors and Masters degree. He was awarded a scholarship to study for one year in Frankfort, Germany. He studied at the University of Illinois for one year before coming to teach at Auburn University. Two years later he attended Ohio State University and was awarded a PhD in German. He taught at Auburn for 33 years. While at Duke he met Shirley Grier and they married in 1957. They had four wonderful children. Henry and Shirley loved to travel. He also enjoyed many hobbies including flying, building model airplanes, and building a garden railroad for his grandchildren.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents; sister Gerda Raleigh; and his much beloved daughter Marilyn. He is survived by his children: Rick (Pam), Tom (Kim), Rob (Roselle); seven grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren.

Henry was a member of Auburn First Presbyterian Church, Auburn Lion’s Club and Auburn Model Flying Club.

His funeral will be held 2:00pm, Sunday, December 1st at Auburn First Presbyterian Church.