John Leo Hellmann Sr.

Mr. Hellmann was born December 19, 1928 in Cincinnati, Ohio and raised in Kenton County, Kentucky with his siblings, Dolores, Bud, Roxie, Carl and Juanita. After graduating from high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1946 at seventeen, where he served aboard the USS Spikefish as an electrician until 1949.

Returning to civilian life, Mr. Hellmann temporarily worked for his parents in their tavern Southern Gardens in the former city of Latonia located in Covington, Kentucky. Not long after he met and married his wife Inez, who as Connie Hall enjoyed brief success as a country music singer and songwriter in the late 1950s and 1960s. He then worked for Trailmobile in Cinncinati for several years before starting work at Otis Elevator, which took him on jobs throughout Northern Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio. He retired as a foreman in 1988 after thirty-four years. In his retirement years, he enjoyed taking care of his home and yard in Echo Valley as well as working on puzzles. He never met anything chocolate he didn’t like, especially if it was in the form of ice cream. His two favorite TV shows were Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!

Mr. Hellmann is survived by his son John Jr. (JoAnn), sister Juanita, grandchildren Tony and Jennifer, great-grandsons Roman and Julian as well as many nieces and nephews. His wife Inez of 70 years, who he cared for at their home for nearly 20 years after her stroke, predeceased him in January 2021.

A kind, easy-going man, Mr. Hellmann was well-liked by all that knew him and will be missed by many. He was especially close to his long-time neighbors and friends Theresa and Kenny.

There will be no funeral service. Interment will be at Valley of Rest in LaGrange, Ky. Remembrances may be made at www.heady-radcliffefuneralhome.com