Leo L. Helmuth

Leo L. Helmuth, age 79, of Clear Lake, Indiana, passed away peacefully at Drew’s Place in Coldwater, Michigan. He was born in Kokomo, Indiana on November 19, 1936 to Dewey J. and Mildred N. (Norton) Helmuth. They preceded him in death.

Leo was raised on a farm in Howard County, Indiana, where he graduated from Northwestern High School. He then attended Purdue University, where he was a walk-on on the basketball team and a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He graduated with a degree in agriculture, then went on to serve in the United States Army. Following his time in the Army, he met and married Rita Louise Achilli on July 23, 1962. Leo had a long and successful career as a salesman in the animal health industry.

Survivors include his wife, Rita Helmuth of Clear Lake, Fremont, Indiana; his children, Matthew A. (Annette) Helmuth of Saline, Michigan, Joseph J. (Candy) Helmuth of Redlands, California, and Heidi L. (Adam) Siek of Manchester, Michigan; grandchildren, Christopher (Yadira) Baker, Anna Baker (fiance Dwayne Norris), Vince Helmuth, Gabe (Carla) Helmuth, Hannah Siek, Bronco Helmuth, Roman Helmuth, Poppy Helmuth; great-grandchildren Britney Cruz, CJ Baker, and Tamia Baker; sister, Marylou Rich; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Joseph N. and Ned D. Helmuth, and brother-in-law Ronnie Rich.

Leo’s greatest love was his family. He enjoyed watching his children’s sports, then later, his grandchildren’s. His best times were when his family were around him filling the house with love and laughter. Leo was an avid fisherman who passed that passion on to not only his children and grandchildren, but many of their friends as well. If he wasn’t in the boat, he’d often be on his porch swing or in the hammock watching lake activity, or just enjoying the birds. He didn’t know a stranger. Leo liked talking to people and learning about them and their families, usually finding something in common with them. He was well known in his family for his sweet tooth and taking somebody with him on scenic drives which usually included stopping for a treat. Lemon ice cream was one of his favorites. He liked playing board games and doing puzzles, especially crypto-grams.

Those who were close to him will remember his microwave milkshakes, Hershey sandwiches and ice cream with peanut butter. He could be found in the spring mushroom hunting or just taking walks.

Leo was a member of Clear Lake Bible Church, and he loved the Lord.

He was just a nice guy.

Calling hours will be held from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, January 3, 2016 at Beams Funeral Home, Fremont, Indiana.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, January 4, 2016 at Clear Lake Bible Church, Fremont, Indiana with Pastor Voyle Hartleroad officiating.

Burial will follow services at the Clear Lake Baptist Cemetery, Fremont, Indiana.